Watercare launches $3.3 million pipeline renewal project at Snells Beach and Algies Bay

This week Watercare will begin a $3.3 million rehabilitation project to reline more than two kilometres of sewer pipeline along the foreshore at Snells Beach and Algies Bay.

The rehabilitation work aims to reduce the risk of saltwater entering the wastewater network during high and spring tides.

As part of the project, 40 manholes along the pipeline will also be renewed.

Watercare senior programme manager Dirk Du Plessis says the goal is to protect key infrastructure, including the Snells Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is currently under construction.

“Saltwater is highly corrosive and causes deterioration of pipes, joints, valves, pumps, and treatment plants, which can lead to leaks and structural failures.

“It also disrupts the biological processes used to break down human waste before highly treated wastewater can be released back into the environment.”

Du Plessis says gravity pipelines are commonly buried within beach foreshores, between the low and high tide marks.

“Gravity mains rely on downward slopes and are installed at the lowest points in the network, making them ideal for collecting flows from surrounding coastal areas."

Du Plessis says to maximise beach working hours, crews will undertake most of the work during low tides.

“However, when the tide is high, the crew will focus on renewing manholes above the high tide mark.

“The pipeline will be relined using a trenchless rehabilitation method called ‘spiral wound lining.

“This method is highly effective at restoring structural integrity. It involves inserting prefabricated interlocking PVC strips into an existing pipe via a manhole.

“Once inside, a winding machine spirals the strip to match the shape of the pipeline, forming a continuous liner.

“This creates a watertight and structurally reinforced inner pipe, significantly improving the condition of the original pipeline without the need for excavation.”

Pictured above: Algies Bay

Du Plessis says crews will establish work sites at both beaches to enable them to get the work done as quickly as possible.

“Some work will take place in residential backyards. However, most activity will occur along the foreshore near our work sites.

“We want to assure the community that access to both beaches will remain available throughout the project.

“We’ll also be doing everything we can to protect the environment throughout this project.

“Track mats will be laid to provide safe access for equipment, machinery, and materials. Vehicle speeds will be kept low, and we ask beachgoers to keep dogs and young children away from work areas.

“We understand the inconvenience of having construction on the beach, but this work is essential to maintain the integrity of the local wastewater network which keeps the public and the environment safe.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience as we complete this important project.”

Watercare aims to have the rehabilitation works completed by late January.