After nearly 80 years of service, South Australia’s longest water pipeline is gearing up for a major renewal.
In the next few months, up to 34 km of the Morgan to Whyalla Pipeline will be replaced as part of a $62 million investment securing reliable water services for 100,000 regional customers.
Built in 1944, the pipeline begins at the Morgan Water Treatment Plant, from which it stretches 358 km to deliver safe, clean drinking water to homes and businesses across the Mid North, Yorke Peninsula and Eyre Peninsula.
SA Water’s general manager of sustainable infrastructure Amanda Lewry said new sections of pipeline will be constructed in parallel to the existing infrastructure, to minimise interruption to customers’ water supply.
“Our Morgan to Whyalla Pipeline provides safe, clean water to customers throughout regional South Australia and many large businesses depend on a reliable supply to enable their processes, and by duplicating sections of the pipeline, we’re able to keep the water flowing during this important project,” Lewry said.
“The new sections will be constructed using mild steel cement-lined pipe and feature a modern, specialised external coating to ensure the pipe’s durability.
“We’re prioritising sections of the pipeline for renewal based on condition assessments and performance, with the long-term program helping secure regional SA’s water supply into the future and preparing the network for ongoing residential and business growth.”
The first stage of the renewal falls under SA Water’s four-year, $1.6 billion capital program, which will deliver a portfolio of projects to sustain and enhance the water network for customers.
SA Water is looking to hear from local contractors who might be interested in supporting the major project.
“An important part of delivering the pipeline renewal will be working with our lead contractors, the McConnell Dowell/Diona team, to connect with local contractors in Morgan ahead of work commencing,” said Lewry.
“Keeping it local, where possible, can lead to a positive economic and social impact for the community we’re working within, while enabling us to tap into their expertise and knowledge for the benefit of our wider project.”
For more information visit the SA Water website.
