New technology upgrading Portland’s sewer lines
10 June 2016
A new technology never before used by Wannon Water in Portland is being employed to upgrade the city’s sewer lines.
More than four kilometres of sewer lines in Portland are being renewed using the “cured-in-place” technique, which is faster, more cost-effective and produces a better end result than previous approaches.
Some 27 sites across Portland’s CBD and residential areas are part of the $752,525 project that began last November and is set for completion later this month. Work sites include Percy Street, Julia Street, Henty Highway, Bentinck Street and Barkly Street.
The new method sees a resin-saturated tube pulled into a damaged sewer where it is inflated with air then steamed at high temperature and left to “cure”, forming a tight-fitting, joint-less and corrosion-resistant replacement pipe. This not only improves flow but renews a pipe’s lifespan by about 50 years.
Wannon Water Contracts Engineer Brendan Thian said the cutting-edge method had been recognised as the best option now available in sewer renewal.
“We’re very pleased to be using this highly efficient and cost-effective method, which avoids both open excavation and sewer line replacement and takes place within a matter of hours,” he said.
“These sewer lines in Portland were found to have deteriorated over time and are part of a wider sewer renewal program that also includes Warrnambool, Port Fairy, Hamilton, Terang and Coleraine.
“Proactive renewal projects like this are part of Wannon Water’s commitment to maintaining its assets to the highest order to ensure our customers receive reliable services now and into the future.”
Specialist sewer renewal contractor Insituform Pacific is carrying out the work, which also includes renewing about 150 sewer property connection points.
There have been no disruptions to sewerage services for customers during the project and works at each site have been completed within a day, and generally within a few hours.
Further information about the sewer renewal works across Wannon Water’s service region is available by calling 1300 926 666.
