New water main chugging into Mount Barker

SA Water has begun works to replace around 55 metres of water main underneath Mount Barker’s heritage SteamRanger tracks, helping to provide ongoing reliable water services to a growing local population.

The new pipe is being installed as part of the utility’s four-year, state-wide $155 million water main management program.

SA Water’s General Manager of Sustainable Infrastructure Amanda Lewry said a fit-for-purpose construction method is being used to ensure there is no disturbance to the above ground rail infrastructure.

“At a depth of around 2.4 metres, our crews will use horizontal directional drilling, which unlike traditional trenching techniques, only requires minimal excavation before a specialised machine tunnels through the soil and then pulls the new pipe through in a continuous length,” Amanda said.

“This is a safer and more efficient way to install pipes in more unique areas, while limiting any construction impacts. Our works have also been timed with when the SteamRanger isn’t operating, minimising disruptions to railway services for commuters.

“These works are part of our efforts to continually improve water services for our customers, with this section of pipe critical to transporting water to residents and businesses in and around Mount Barker.”

“Together with our contractors, we’re committed to minimising any impacts to the community during the works, such as dust or noise caused by the use of heavy machinery and increased vehicle movement in and out of our worksite,” Amanda said.

“As work progresses, we will also ensure our customers are kept informed of work and any temporary interruptions to their water supply that are necessary when we move their connections over to their new water main.”

For more information on where SA Water is upgrading water mains around the state, visit the interactive map at sawater.com.au.

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