SA Water is nearing completion on the construction of a new ten-million-litre concrete tank to boost Port Lincoln’s water storage capacity, as part of an ongoing investment in the Eyre Peninsula’s water future.
Located off Chapman Road, the 6m-high tank joins two existing concrete water tanks, to increase SA Water’s total storage at the site to 19 million litres of safe, clean drinking water.
SA Water’s General Manager of Sustainable Infrastructure, Amanda Lewry, said the project will help ensure a reliable supply for customers – especially during the warmer weather.
“Water is central to protecting public health and stimulating economic development, and by investing in our infrastructure, we’re improving the delivery of services that support the prosperity of Port Lincoln’s communities and the town’s continued residential and business growth,” Ms Lewry said.
“Crews are on track to have the tank operational and supplying the local network by early February 2021, with the foundations complete and 76 concrete wall panels safely lifted into place.
“Augmenting our network with additional water storages enhances our ability to sustain a reliable supply, particularly during periods of warmer weather when we typically experience an increase in customer demand.
“Port Lincoln’s new tank is just one of our capital projects on the way during the next few years to increase the region’s water security and improve our customers’ day to day water use experience.”
The new storage tank is 51m in diameter and covered with a specialised liner to ensure the safety of treated drinking water within the network.
South Australian construction company Diona are delivering the project together with McConnell Dowell and local contractors, with crews recently installing a 126m pipeline linking the new tank into the existing tanks.
Ms Lewry said local contractors were also playing a key role in the tank’s construction, which was supporting 15 full-time employees across the supply chain.
“We’re partnering with several local contractors to deliver the project alongside the McDonnell Dowell/Diona team, including Shillabeer Crane Hire, EP Civil & Earthmoving, M&M Civil, Reimann Manufacturing and SMS Geotechnical, who are delivering a range of services such as civil work and geotechnical engineering support,” Ms Lewry said.
“Keeping it local, where possible, can lead to a positive economic and social impact for the community we’re working within, while enabling our people to harness their expertise for the benefit of the project.”
