Around 220 homes in Wellington East will soon gain access to safe, treated drinking water as the township’s supply is connected to the wider SA Water network.
The upgrade marks a significant change for the south-east community, which is currently supplied by a local system drawing raw, untreated water directly from the River Murray. At present, residents rely on alternative sources such as rainwater tanks for drinking water.
Under the transition of the local water supply network from the Coorong District Council to SA Water, Wellington East will be connected to an existing main along the Princes Highway. This system links into the Lake Alexandrina trunk main, which draws water from the River Murray before it is treated at SA Water’s Tailem Bend Water Treatment Plant.
SA Water’s General Manager of Customer, Community and Engagement, David Coombe, said the project would significantly improve both the reliability and quality of drinking water for local households.
“Construction began late last year, with crews installing a new 1.2-kilometre pipeline along Ferry Road to council-owned land on George Mason Street, using 250-millimetre-diameter PVC pipes,” Coombe said.
“Additional above and below-ground infrastructure, including two 150-millimetre-diameter pressure-reducing valves, were installed in January to help ensure consistent water pressure across all properties.”
SA Water is now undertaking cleaning and disinfection works across existing raw water mains throughout May. The process is designed to remove any residue or potential contaminants and prepare the network for the introduction of treated drinking water.
“Following completion of the pipe disinfection and cleaning phase, together with SA Health, we will undertake extensive water quality testing to ensure the supply is safe and suitable for drinking,” Coombe said. “This is expected to occur in June and take up to six weeks.”
SA Health Principal Water Quality Advisor David Cunliffe welcomed the project and its benefits for the community.
“Providing a safe drinking water supply to Wellington East is a positive step forward that will support the health of the community,” he said. “SA Health will continue to work with SA Water to monitor water quality.”
Construction will continue in the area ahead of the testing phase, with crews on site between 7am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. Temporary road closures or detours may be required during this time, with SA Water aiming to minimise disruption including noise and dust impacts.
A final transition date is expected to be confirmed in mid-2026.
Coorong District Council Acting Mayor Cr Jonathan Pietzsch said the partnership with SA Water had been central to delivering the upgrade.
“Council’s partnership with SA Water has been critical in turning years of advocacy into a practical outcome for Wellington East,” he said.
“Through open consultation and close cooperation, we’ve been able to balance community concerns with the long-term advantages of a SA Water–managed system that will deliver ongoing benefits to the Wellington East community.”
