Unitywater is using a specialised cleaning process for water mains in Caboolture, Queensland to maintain water supply quality.
Unitywater and project contractor, SUEZ will use a process known as ice pigging which involves forcing an ice slurry through the mains to remove sediments.
Sediment particles become trapped within the ice slurry and are removed from the water mains along with the ice. This process is more effective and uses much less water than traditional cleaning techniques.
Executive Manager of Infrastructure Planning and Capital Delivery at Unitywater, Simon Taylor, said that ice pigging is much more effective than pipe flushing.
“Drinking water supplies carry tiny amounts of natural sediment, which over years settle as deposits in water pipes. Events like a break in the water main can then stir up the sediment and customers might notice discoloured water,” Mr Taylor said.
“Unitywater is undertaking a targeted mains cleaning program that balances the need to clean the network to minimise water quality impacts on customers with our drive to keep operating costs as low as possible.”
As the work involves interruptions to water supply, Unitywater is working closely with SUEZ to minimise water supply impact.
