Mighty Maratala enlisted to protect Murray pipeline

SA Water’s River Murray working barge, the MV Maratala, has made the lengthy journey from Berri down to Murray Bridge in efforts to protect the utility’s underwater recycled water pipeline from potential flood impacts.

Together with contractor McConnell Dowell Diona joint venture, the barge vessel has helped to reinforce the structural integrity of the underwater pipe using innovative concrete covers.

Stretching along the floor of the River Murray from Murray Bridge to the eastern side of the river, the pipeline delivers cleaned and highly treated recycled water to two large customers from SA Water’s recently constructed wastewater treatment facility in Brinkley.

SA Water’s General Manager of Operations Chris Young said the important work has been completed ahead of the anticipated rise in flows.

“We identified this recycled water pipeline as one of our priority sites that could be impacted by floods, and have spent recent weeks undertaking comprehensive assessments and bathymetry surveys to investigate how we can best maintain the pipe’s operation for our customers,” Chris said.

“Harnessing its brand new 30-tonne crane, our MV Maratala has carefully placed a series of large concrete mats across sections of the re-use pipeline, protecting its structural integrity from an increase in debris and water velocity expected over the coming weeks.

“Each concrete support has been laid atop the pipeline with the assistance of commercial divers well-versed in working in low visibility environments like the River Murray.

“The turnaround of just under a week to commence this work ahead of the predicted high flow peaks is a credit to our team for working to safely and efficiently complete these important works for the benefit of our customers and the wider community.”

For the safety of construction crews and divers completing the work, river users were recently advised to avoid travelling close to SA Water’s work site near Long Island Reserve, with speed restrictions and buoy lines in place.

“We thank everyone for continuing to safely navigate through the rising water levels across the River Murray and helping to ensure we completed these important works in a safe way.”

Complete with an on-board workshop, sleeping quarters and kitchen, the 33-metre-long MV Maratala is used to complete vital maintenance to locks, weirs and other structures along the River Murray.

For up-to-date information on SA Water’s response to the River Murray floods, visit sawater.com.au.

Contact:

Phone:

Email: