$1 million sewer rehabilitation program for Port Fairy
08 August 2017
Wannon Water is using innovative technology to roll out its largest ever sewer rehabilitation program in Port Fairy.
More than six kilometres of sewer pipes will be upgraded in the $1 million project which will help to ensure the long-term reliability and quality of the sewer network for our Port Fairy community.
With nearly 3000 kilometres of water and sewerage pipes across the region, an ongoing maintenance and renewal program is a major part of Wannon Water’s core business.
Wannon Water’s Project Manager – Asset Creation, Tamara Bull, says the contractor, Abergeldie, is an industry leader in sewer rehabilitation.
“It is a fantastic opportunity for our region to be using such cutting-edge practices,” Ms Bull said. “The entire process is completed relatively quickly and with minimal impact to residents.”
The project will begin with an initial inspection of the existing pipes with cameras, following by cleaning and repairs where necessary. Sewer lines are then plugged to stop sewage flows while crews set up at each end of the section to be repaired.
They winch a malleable PVC liner inside the existing sewer pipe and expand it using steam so it forms and moulds tightly to the host pipe. Once it reaches the desired shape and size, the steam is slowly replaced with cold air so the liner hardens and holds its shape, providing the same strength and durability of a new PVC pipe.
The liner is trimmed at the edge of the manhole and a robotic cutter is sent along the sewer to re-open connections to property lines.
“While there should be no interruption to services for customers, the contractor may need to access certain properties to complete the works. Property owners will be notified by Abergeldie according to the project schedule.”
Wannon Water has renewed 16 kilometres of sewer pipes in Warrnambool, Coleraine, Casterton, Hamilton, Portland, and Camperdown over the past six months, also using the Abergeldie technology.
Work in Port Fairy began last month and is due to be completed by early next year.
“It is one of the many ways that Wannon Water is maintaining critical infrastructure throughout the region,” Ms Bull said.
