Upgrades to Blackwater reservoirs improve water supply

Blackwater and Bluff residents will soon have access to a more reliable, modern water supply network thanks to a 2-year capital project to upgrade the reservoir roofs at the Blackwater Water Treatment Plant.

Due to aging, the existing roofs were becoming defective and needed to be replaced to increase the lifespan of the reservoirs and ensure high-quality drinking water.

Having recently completed a detailed structural design, steel roof framing is now up and new aluminium roof sheeting is being installed on the first of the two reservoirs. As part of the contract works, council is also rendering and painting the internal structural concrete columns, as well as upgrading the interior reservoir floor and wall joints to ensure there are no water leaks in the future.

‘Access to safe, reliable drinking water is essential for the health and well-being of our community,’ General Manager Infrastructure and Utilities Jason Hoolihan said.

‘That’s why council remains committed to investing in critical water infrastructure upgrades like these. By prioritising these improvements, we are ensuring that our residents have access to a sustainable and dependable water supply, both now and for future generations.’

Final cleaning, disinfection and commissioning of the first reservoir is due to commence between mid to late September.

Once the first reservoir upgrade works are completed, the second reservoir roof replacement works will begin.

The current completion date for the entire upgrade works is expected to be late January 2025.