SA Water is gearing up to replace over 1,500m of water main in Wilmington in the coming weeks, in an effort to continually improve water services for South Australia’s regions.
Together with contractor Fleurieu Civil, SA Water will install the new pipe along the Horrocks Highway, as part of around 30,000m of main being renewed throughout the state’s regions in 2020-21.
SA Water’s General Manager Sustainable Infrastructure, Amanda Lewry, said PVC pipes are used for the majority of its water main replacement program, which are known for their better flexibility and resistance to movement, compared to fibro-cement.
“While it’s difficult to completely stop water main leaks and breaks from occurring due to soil movement, weather and a variety of other environmental factors, we are committed to proactively limiting their frequency and any potential impact on our customers,” Ms Lewry said.
“With the new pipes having an approximate lifespan of up to 100 years, this project ensures we can keep providing our customers in the Wilmington area with trusted water services for years to come, as well as limit the potential for water main breaks and leaks on a busy regional road.
“It’s one of many water main replacements we’re undertaking as part of our four year state-wide $155 million water main management program, and our sustained investment ensures a reliable supply of safe, clean water for our customers.”
The upgrade in Wilmington is expected to take around five weeks to complete, with works typically occurring between Monday and Friday from 7am to 5pm.
“For the safety of our people and the local community, we ask residents and road users in the area to please take note of localised traffic management in place while the works are underway,” Ms Lewry said.
“We will also ensure residents and businesses are notified of any temporary water supply interruptions that are necessary when we move their connections over from the old to new pipes.”
For more information on where SA Water is renewing water mains around the state, take a look at the interactive map at sawater.com.au.
