MAJOR PIPELINE TO BE DUPLICATED TO ENSURE WATER SUPPLY

Twice as nice

Southern Water is undertaking a major pipeline duplication project to ensure a secure water supply in greater Hobart.
The West Derwent Pipeline is a bulk water supply line that brings water from the Bryn Estyn Water Treatment Plant to supply customers on both the Eastern and Western shore. Up to 160,000 people can receive water from it at any one time; up to 70 million litres a day.
The section that will be duplicated runs from Berriedale to near the Elwick racecourse, then crosses over the Bowen Bridge. It is a critical part of Hobart’s bulk water infrastructure.
Southern Water’s CEO, Mr Mike Paine, said the ageing water pipeline was constructed in 1962.
“We will be duplicating a 3.2km section of this bulk pipeline, between Berriedale and the Elwick Pump Station, which is just near the Derwent Entertainment Centre. This duplication will address the risks inherent in an ageing pipe, including corrosion and increasing pipeline failures.
“This is the only section of this important bulk supply line that doesn’t have a ‘backup’ pipeline, in case of breaks or pipe failure. The West Derwent Pipeline duplication will help protect supply into the future, increasing the reliability of the water supply to Hobart, Kingborough, the Eastern Shore, and over to Sorell.
The duplication, (including design, supply, install and project management) will cost around $7.8 million, including $2.1 million worth of pipeline. The project will also include the construction of a new valve pit and isolation valve along with other associated valves and fittings.
Works have already begun on the section of the pipeline which runs along under the Bowen Bridge. Large sections of 648mm pipe are being lifted and attached to rails underneath the bridge. Traffic is not affected.
Tenders for the Brooker Highway section of works have been awarded. Mobilisation of equipment has begun on site with these larger, 813mm pipes arriving. Construction on this section will begin in April and finish around Christmas. Southern Water will keep the public informed about construction timelines and any changes to traffic flow.
Southern Water