South Ayr Water Treatment Plant bypass pipeline project reaches key stage, water pressure to be temp…

Council expects to complete construction of a 450mm diameter bypass pipeline at the South Ayr Water Treatment Plant by the end of the month.

The major project, which commenced in August, has involved extensive infrastructure upgrades between Rossiter’s Hill and South Ayr.

It will allow water from Conlan Street bore field to bypass the existing water facility in South Ayr, directly connecting to the town water supply and providing greater water resilience for our region.

Director of Infrastructure, Planning and Environmental Services Nick Wellwood said the project would reach a key point tonight when Council officers conduct cut in works at the water treatment facility in South Ayr.

“To allow us to carry out these pipe connection works, we need to temporarily cut off the water supply from the South Ayr Treatment Plant,” Mr Wellwood said.

“This means that water pressure throughout Ayr, Alva Beach and Brandon will be dramatically reduced and indeed some people may find very little water supply. This situation is unavoidable however we will be commencing this cut in after 10pm Wednesday to minimise the inconvenience to the public.”

Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said Council asks all residents to limit water usage to essential purposes only during the cut off period to minimise the chance of water supply interruption.

“We ask that residents refrain from using water for non-essential purposes such as sprinkler irrigation. We expect that water supply pressure will be back to normal by Thursday morning and thank people for their understanding during this critical water connection period.”

Cr McLaughlin said the project demonstrated that Council is serious about water security in our region.

“As part of Council’s overall water resilience strategy, officers have been actively investigating opportunities to increase water resilience in the Shire.

“This project will increase volumetric supply capacity to the townships of Ayr, Brandon and Alva, as well as improve the resilience of our water networks during unplanned outages or planned scheme maintenance.

“The pipeline will also cater for the potential development and incorporation of additional bores, allowing Council to accommodate future population growth.”

Cr McLaughlin acknowledged the commitment by all Council employees in delivering this project which has involved extensive night works.