Work has begun on a $2.4 million SA Water project to ensure Mount Gambier’s water supply from the Blue Lake continues to meet national drinking water guidelines.
The lake is the primary water source for the city, and supplies approximately 26,000 customers.
The water is treated prior to delivery to the local network.
SA Water’s Senior Manager of Water Treatment and Quality, Janina Morrison says the upgrade is designed to optimise the levels of treatment chemicals, such as chlorine, entering the network.
“This allows us to be proactive and eliminate the potential for water quality incidents that could impact on public health, as well as safeguarding the environmental benefits by reducing the risk of treated water returning to the Blue Lake,” Janina said.
SA Water has contracted Guidera O’Connor to undertake the upgrade, which will involve the construction of a new 300-metre underground water main from the existing Keegan Drive water storage tanks, along Keegan Drive, through Botanic Park and down to Lake Terrace West.
Two small huts will also be built in Botanic Park to house control equipment, as well as three radio antennas to transmit control data.
“SA Water met with the Mount Gambier City Council as well as members of the local Aboriginal community during the planning stages of the project to discuss potential impacts on the environment or any items of cultural significance,” Janina said.
“Every effort will be made to minimise the impacts on existing vegetation in Botanic Park, and lawns and other landscaping features will be reinstated after construction.
Construction is expected to be complete by early in the New Year.
