Storage surge secures a steady supply for EP

Construction on a new 32-million-litre concrete water tank in Green Patch, near Port Lincoln is now underway, as part of SA Water’s ongoing investment in securing Eyre Peninsula’s drinking water future.

Once completed, the six-metre-high, 88-metre-wide tank will augment the region’s water storage capacity and increase the utility’s total storage at the site to more than 50 million litres of safe, clean drinking water, supplying towns such as Port Lincoln and as far west as Ceduna.

SA Water’s General Manager of Sustainable Infrastructure Amanda Lewry said the project involves a fresh approach to designing and constructing drinking water storages.

“Rather than adopting a conventional design, the storage tank will feature a floating cover – enabling a more cost-effective and efficient construction,” Amanda said.

“This is a new concept we’re applying to our water storages and by lining the tank with a geomembrane and using a floating cover, it means the tank doesn’t require additional construction such as a concrete floor, steel roof structure and internal columns.

“Our innovative approach is also allowing for modular construction due to the lining’s ability to retain water, which will see our crews safely lift 112 pre-cast concrete perimeter wall panels along the tank perimeter to build the storage in a shorter timeframe.”

SA Water completed the construction of another concrete water tank – holding a capacity of 10 million litres – in early 2021, with the new larger storage tank being built adjacent to the existing tank.

Ms Lewry said the Green Patch tank is expected to be supplying water to the Eyre Peninsula network by the end of 2022, in time for next summer.

“Augmenting our network with additional water storages enhances our ability to sustain a reliable supply, particularly during periods of warmer weather when we typically experience an increase in customer demand,” Amanda said.

“These works are just one of many as part of our four-year, $1.6 billion capital investment across South Australia’s water network, which will deliver a series of diverse projects to enhance the Eyre Peninsula’s water security and improve our customer’s water services.

“Our expansive network and sustained capital program often creates opportunities to harness the expertise of local businesses, and together with construction partner McConnell Dowell Diona joint venture, we’ll be teaming up with EP-based Shillabeer Crane Hire, Whyalla Earthworks and MACTRANS to deliver our new tank.”

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