Water Corporation is the first water utility in Australia to use Mains Wizard technology which has allowed it to complete maintenance works without interrupting water supply for more than 35,000 Perth customers in 2016.
Water Corporation Perth Regional Manager, Garth Walter, who is responsible for maintaining the 15,000km of water mains in Perth, said using Mains Wizard technology was a win-win situation for both customers and Water Corporation.
“Mains Wizard is one of a number of innovative technologies we have introduced to improve the service we provide to our customers,” Mr Walter said.
“The equipment works by tapping into a water main twice on either side of the leak or valve a crew is working on. An inflatable bag is installed into the closest points while a bypass pipe is connected to the furthest points.
“Pressurisation units on either side of the work area then inflate the bags using mains water pressure, isolating the section being worked on while maintaining continuous water supply without pressure fluctuations.”
Mr Walter said using Mains Wizard technology meant there was less inconvenience to customers, fewer calls to fault lines, and pipes did not need to be completely empty to carry out repairs which saves water.
“We can also carry out work during business hours in commercial and industrial, areas which in the past would have been done overnight to minimise potential impacts,” Mr Walter said.
