SA Water has started works on a project to install approximately 1,220m of new water main at Alford, as part of the utility’s efforts to improve water services for regional South Australia.
The pipe, which is being laid beneath Bute Road, is among 47,000m of water mains going into the ground as part of SA Water’s four-year, $155 million water main management program.
SA Water’s Senior Manager of Capital Delivery, Peter Seltsikas, said the new pipe is made from PVC, which is known for having better flexibility and being more resistant to soil movement, compared to fibro-cement.
“Our water main replacement program is one of the ways we are proactively working to limit the frequency and impact of leaks and breaks, which are often caused by soil movement and other environmental factors,” Mr Seltsikas said.
“Water mains have an approximate lifespan of up to 100 years and the installation of this pipe will help to ensure a secure supply of clean, safe drinking water to local customers well into the future.
“These works are part of an ongoing drive to ensure South Australian communities, like here in Alford, continue to have access to reliable water services.”
Construction will take around ten weeks to complete, with works typically occurring Monday to Friday between 7am and 5pm.
“For the safety of our people and the community, we ask residents and road users to please take note of localised traffic management in place while the works are underway,” Mr Seltsikas said.
“We will also ensure our customers are notified of any temporary water supply interruptions that are necessary when we move their connections over from the old to new pipes.
“We look forward to continuing to work together with our construction partners to deliver investment right across the state.”
