Finger Point pipeline upgrade now complete

An $11 million project by SA Water to improve wastewater services for customers in the state’s South East is now complete, with construction wrapping-up on the installation of around seven kilometres of new sewer main near Finger Point.

More than 50 people worked across the important project, replacing a section of the 30-kilometre pipe responsible for delivering the wastewater from around 26,000 Mount Gambier residents and businesses to the region’s wastewater treatment facility.

SA Water’s Senior Manager of Capital Delivery Peter Seltsikas said the 570mm-diametre concrete trunk main’s upgrade was staged over time to efficiently manage costs.

“First constructed in the mid-1960s, more than five million litres of sewage pass through this important wastewater main each day,” Peter said.

“This is the last section of the large pipeline to be replaced, and ensures our customers will continue to receive reliable wastewater services for years to come, while reducing the risk of potential leaks or breaks impacting the local environment.

“We have worked closely with the Grant District Council and other community stakeholders throughout the duration of the works, and we’re excited to have the new wastewater pipeline now installed and delivering for our customers.”

The continued upgrades to the wastewater pipeline have been designed to improve the operations at SA Water’s sewer pump station in Mount Gambier, and reduce the likelihood of sewer blockages caused by non-flushable items like wet wipes, tissues, condoms and tampons.

“Keeping the sewers healthy is a shared responsibility, and we play our part by investing in ongoing maintenance and upgrades where required,” Peter said.

“All of our customers – including those in the South East – can do their bit by remembering to only flush the three Ps – (toilet) paper, pee and poo – and placing all other items in the bin.

“These actions help to limit the likelihood of blockages in the wastewater network, which in turn reduces the risk of a sewage overflow into the environment, street, your front yard or even inside your home.”

More information about maintaining healthy sewers is available at sawater.com.au.

Contact:

Phone:

Email: