New Whyalla water main to improve customer supply

Around 640 metres of new water main pipes will soon be in the ground in Whyalla as part of continued efforts by SA Water to improve water services for customers across South Australia.

Part of SA Water’s $137 million investment to refurbish up to 375,000 metres of water mains across the state between 2016 and 2020, the project will replace pipes along Duncan Street between Meares Street and Lockhart Street, and multiple surrounding laneways.

SA Water’s General Manager of Asset Operations and Delivery Mark Gobbie said with a typical pipe lifespan of around 100 years, the project ensures reliable water supply for Whyalla customers well into the future.

“We can’t completely stop leaks and breaks in pipes due to factors like the weather and moving soils, but we’re working to reduce their frequency and impact on customers through main replacement projects like this one,” Mark said.

“The new pipes being installed will also be made of PVC, which is more flexible and resistant to underground movement compared to cast iron and fibro-cement pipes.

“This is one of a number of main refurbishments we’re undertaking across regional and metropolitan South Australia this year, and we look forward to continue working with communities across the state to improve water services for our customers.”

The pipe replacement is expected to take around six weeks to complete with works typically occurring between Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm.

“For the safety of our people and residents in the area, we ask drivers to please take note of any localised traffic management put in place while the works are completed,” Mark said.

“We will ensure local residents are notified of any temporary water supply interruptions that are necessary when their connections are moved over from the old to new pipes.”

For more information on where SA Water is renewing water mains across the state, take a look at the interactive map at sawater.com.au.

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