SA Water will install more than 5km of new sewer main near Finger Point to improve wastewater services for customers in the state’s south east.
The near $11 million investment will replace a section of the 30km concrete trunk main responsible for transporting wastewater from approximately 28,000 residents and businesses in Mount Gambier to the Finger Point Wastewater Treatment Plant.
SA Water’s General Manager of Asset Operations and Delivery, Mark Gobbie, said the project ensures local customers continue to receive reliable, high-quality wastewater services well into the future.
“Over the years we have strategically upgraded the large trunk main to maintain its safe operation while managing costs for our customers, with this being the last section of pipe to be upgraded,” Mr Gobbie said.
“With this particular section of the sewer main constructed in the mid-1960s, replacing it with a new mild steel concrete lined pipe will make sure we can continue safely removing and treating wastewater for our customers while significantly reducing the risk of potential leaks or breaks.
“The new pipe will also improve the operational ability of our sewer pump station in Mount Gambier and reduce the likelihood of non-flushable items like wet wipes, condoms and tampons causing blockages in the sewer network.
“Our South East customers can also play a part in keeping our sewers healthy by only flushing the three Ps – (toilet) paper, pee and poo. This will protect internal pipework, reduce the potential for an overflow, assist us to keep treatment and operational costs down and help safeguard the environment.”
Commencing in February, the sewer main replacement is expected to take approximately seven months to complete.
“We will work closely with the local community and relevant stakeholders, including the District Council of Grant, throughout the project to minimise construction impacts, such as dust, noise and any temporary changes to private property or road access,” Mr Gobbie said.
“This is an important project for our sewer network in the south east, and we look forward to delivering this upgrade as quickly and safely as possible.”
