The pipeline that brings running water to households across the region is being overhauled after almost a century.
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Hunter Water is replacing a 300-metre stretch of the Chichester trunk gravity main, where it runs beneath the Hunter River, to ensure it can provide a continuous supply to its customers.
The 90-kilometre pipeline, which links Chichester Dam with Newcastle, has been transporting water under the riverbed at Osterley through two pipes within a large tunnel since it was built in 1923.
The Hunter River tunnel, which is 200 metres long and sits 30 metres below the riverbed, was built as part of the Chichester Dam water supply project.
The tunnel has developed leaks in recent years and can no longer be used to access and maintain the pipes. The pipeline is the primary source of water for Dungog, Maitland and the Coalfields.
Replacement pipes, with the same 900 millimetre diameter, have been delivered to the site and are being joined together. They will be connected to the existing pipeline on either side of the river.
Contractors are expected to install two new pipelines under the river in the coming weeks.
“Although the pipeline has been upgraded over the years, the tunnel is showing signs of age and is no longer safe to enter for maintenance,” a Hunter Water spokesman said.“The duplicated pipeline means a more secure water supply, given the [pipeline] carries 40% of our region’s water.”
The $8 million project will use horizontal directional drilling to install the new infrastructure. The technique bores underground without the need to dig trenches.
The new pipeline is expected to start its service in September. Hunter Water has ensured it will limit water supply problems when it transfers the flow.
“Hunter Water is working to minimise the disruption that may be caused by the crossover from the old CTGM to the new one,” he said.
“The project has involved working in close proximity to local residents and we sincerely thank them for their patience while we undertake this essential work.”
MAITLAND’S UNDERWORLD
The mystery surrounding subterranean Maitland has unravelled.
Late last month the Maitland City Heritage Group issued a call out to help unearth the secrets of the city’s underground basements.
As part of the search Fairfax Media published a series of black and white images featuring late historian Harry Boyle in an unidentified basement.
What came forward is this.
Belinda-Jane Davis
Passionate about community news
Passionate about community news
