22 November 2022
Extensive capital works in Orbost to improve water supply services are almost complete.
Around 200 metres of potable drinking water mains are being replaced in Nicholson St, Orbost and 40 metres of raw (source) water main is being renewed and relocated at Youngs Creek.
The two existing mains, one made from asbestos cement and the other cast iron cement lined, are being replaced with the latest PVC and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) water main technology that is lightweight but robust, flexible, corrosion resistant and protects against bacteria growth.
East Gippsland Water engineers and contractors have experienced some challenges at each section of the water main upgrade works.
In Nicholson Street, unexpected rocky conditions slowed progress and required larger machinery to complete the works within the roadway.
At Youngs Creek, rocky conditions impacted the initial under bored drilling attempts. After a slight change of alignment, the under bore pipe installation was successfully drilled, allowing the project to continue.
East Gippsland Water Executive Manager Customer, Community and Communications David
Radford said:
“While our customers in Orbost shouldn’t notice anything different with their water supply or wastewater service, upgrading these mains is important to prevent further failures or repairs,” he said.
“The Youngs Creek main is the primary raw water supply pipeline from the Brodribb River to our Orbost water treatment plant, so it’s a vital piece of infrastructure that needed to be upgraded and secured.
“The rock in the vicinity of Youngs Creek was certainly a challenge, however working with the landholder and the contractor to move the main to the north has been a great outcome for the Orbost community.”
These two projects are expected to be completed in coming weeks.
Ends.
