Getting ready to install a new-to-me supercharger. I’ve seen it posted to swap the water pump anytime you need to pull the supercharger. Is this necessary? How often do water pumps die?

Anything else I need to do while I’ve got everything pulled? I’ve got new inlet and outlet gaskets, water pump flange and o-rings. Contemplating an OEM water pump... would really appreciate your input.

 

Depends on the mileage and the available funds. To help make the decision, every car I have owned, I've had to replace the waterpump after over 100K miles. I was stranded twice and the rest I was able to catch it in time. If you got the funds and nearing 100K I would replace it since it is right there. Otherwise you may be kick yourself in the *** on the side of the road.
Also change the crankshaft position sensor o-ring, it on the block. they tend to leak after a while.

 

In our shop we always do the water pump with the supercharger as it's too much work to do later.

But we also ONLY use the factory MINI pump as the aftermarkets even OEM aftermarket one leak all the time and would cause you to redo it.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/r53-water-pump.html