SA Water has begun construction on a 38.5km pipeline that will connect the lower Yorke Peninsula towns of Warooka and Point Turton to the the water supply network.
SA Water’s General Manager of Asset Operations and Delivery, Mark Gobbie, said the new pipeline will greatly benefit local communities by providing increased water security and improved water quality.
“Warooka and Point Turton’s water supply is currently sourced from a borefield, which our extensive modelling has indicated isn’t adequate to deliver water for future demand,” Mr Gobbie said.
“The town’s new supply will come from the River Murray and treated through the Morgan or Swan Reach Water Treatment Plant, to produce safe, clean drinking water.
“From here, the water will be transported through the new pipeline, which will connect to SA Water’s existing network at Minlacowie, before being piped to around 1500 customers.”
Contractor Leed Engineering and Construction is installing the pipeline where possible within the road verge, following a route that includes Harry Butler Road, Hardwicke Bay Road, Yorke Highway, Corny Point Road and White Hut Road.
“Other improvements as part of this project include a new booster pump station along the pipeline route, 1.25KM of new water main in Point Turton and re-roofing of the existing Warooka storage tank,” Mr Gobbie said.
“We will keep local residents and businesses updated as this work progresses, and we are committed to minimising any construction impacts.”
There was a competitive tendering process after the State Government announced in July 2017 that SA Water will invest up to $13 million in the project.
As part of SA Water’s commitment to providing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the tender was assessed on the contractor’s approach to maximising the local Narungga people as part of this project.
“This project is all about supporting the lower Yorke Peninsula communities with water supply security, job creation for local workers, accommodation and supplies during construction,” Mr Gobbie said.
The project is expected to be completed by late 2018.
