SA Water will commence works to replace a water main in Nuriootpa on 23 July 2018 as part of a $137 million investment over four years to renew around 375,000m of water main across South Australia.
The water main extends under Kaiser Stuhl Avenue, Charles Street, Auguste Street and part of John Harris Drive in Nuriootpa.
SA Water’s General Manager of Asset Operations and Delivery, Mark Gobbie, said this 448m section of pipe had been prioritised for replacement after recent breaks and leaks.
“We can’t completely stop breaks and leaks from happening, because they’re often triggered by weather or soil movements, but we’re fully committed to reducing their incidence and impact on our customers,” Mr Gobbie said.
“The new pipe will be made of PVC, which is flexible and more resistant to movement caused by the area’s reactive soils compared to the existing, rigid cast iron and fibro-cement pipes.”
Both the new and existing water mains have an expected lifespan of 100 years. More than half of SA Water’s 27,000km network of pipes are under 50 years old, which is relatively young by urban water industry standards.
To reduce the potential for pressure-related water main leaks or breaks until the new water main can be connected to SA Water’s network, a temporary pressure reduction valve will also be installed this week near the intersection of Kaiser Stuhl Avenue and Murray Street in Nuriootpa.
