Kadina crews seek out innovative water solution

SA Water has become the first Australian water utility to install a solar-powered stand-alone mixing device in a treated water storage tank, delivering immediate improvements in water quality and operational efficiency.

Around 430 of the utility’s customers on upper Yorke Peninsula are benefiting from the innovative water quality technology now operational at its 1.2 megalitre North Kilkerran tank, which uses solar energy to power a submersible impeller that continually circulates stored safe, clean drinking water.

This helps improve water quality by reducing temperature layering and ensuring even dispersal of disinfectant levels, delivering more stable and consistent supply delivered to homes, businesses and farms through the region’s 50 kilometres of water mains.

The solar-powered mixer keeps the water inside the tank moving that in turn helps to maintain even temperatures and prevents nitrification which is a naturally occurring process as water settles. This therefore generally requires regular monitoring and adjustment by field crews.

SA Water’s Kadina Field Operations District Leader Shane Whelan said the results reflect the innovation and dedication of the locally employed crews.

“Our teams are always looking for smarter, more proactive ways to deliver better service for our customers,” Shane said.

“Being the first to install and operate this technology is a real credit to our people’s initiative and problem-solving skills, and we’re already seeing the benefits in water quality outcomes.”

Since being installed in June this year, the device has eliminated the need for manual tank flushing and mixing each month to help maintain water quality, freeing up crews to focus on other maintenance and delivering for our customer across the Yorke Peninsula.

SA Water’s Senior Manager Field Operations Matt Minagall said the success of the project points to broader benefits for the utility’s operations.

“This is a game-changing addition to how we manage water storage in regional areas,” Matt said.

“It’s safe, sustainable and efficient, and supports our people in the field by reducing manual workloads while still maintaining quality drinking water for our customers.

“Importantly, it also means fewer site visits and less disruption, particularly during high-demand periods.”

Installed without taking the tank offline, the modular mixer requires no mains power and runs autonomously with minimal maintenance, which supports SA Water’s long-term sustainability targets to cut emissions and energy use at its regional sites.

Early results show significantly improved chlorine stability and temperature balance. If results continue to track positively, SA Water will explore rolling out the technology to other regional locations as part of its ongoing commitment to safe, reliable and sustainable water services across South Australia.

Contact: Tara Miko

Phone: 0448951418

Email: tara.miko@sawater.com.au