Upgrading our Caves Road pipeline
Posted: 9 January 2025
Planning for the future is a fundamental part of Busselton Water’s role. The growth in the South West over recent years has been significant – and there’s no indication that it will slow. With growth, comes the need to consider how best to expand and manage our network of bores, plants and pipelines to service a larger community.
In addition to providing drinking water to Busselton and surrounds, Busselton Water supplies bulk water to the Water Corporation’s Mewett Road Water Treatment Plant in Quindalup. This water supply is then distributed to the Dunsborough township and surrounding areas by the Water Corporation.
The Water Corporation has advised that it will soon require an increased level of daily water supply from Busselton Water. The existing network infrastructure, specifically the pipeline along Caves Road, is simply not sufficient to meet the flow rates required to provide this additional supply without being upgraded.
Busselton Water is preparing to undertake a necessary infrastructure upgrade along Caves Road – this project will involve the design and construction of a 560mm outer diameter Polyethylene water supply pipeline which will run 1.2km along Caves Road from Lennox Drain to Marybrook Drain. It will be constructed on the south side of Caves Road in three stages.
FAQs
What is the water supply arrangement between Busselton Water and the Water Corporation?
Busselton Water currently supplies bulk water to the Water Corporation’s Mewett Road Water Treatment Plant in Quindalup via a single water supply main. This water supply is then distributed to the Dunsborough township and surrounding areas by the Water Corporation.
The water is supplied under a commercial water supply agreement which sets out six daily water entitlement levels.
Currently the supply is on the first level, at around 2,500kl per day. However, the Water Corporation has notified Busselton Water that it now needs to move to the second level – which at around 3,400kl per day.
Why is this project needed?
The existing network infrastructure, specifically the pipeline along Caves Road, is simply not sufficient to meet the flow rates for this next level without being upgraded.
What will the project involve?
The Caves Road pipeline upgrade project will involve the design and construction of a 560mm outer diameter Polyethylene additional water supply main which will run 1.2km along Caves Road from Lennox Drain to Marybrook Drain.
What are the benefits of this project?
As well as ensuring future water supply demands can be met as the South West’s population continues to grow – this project will also increase the network capacity and improve water pressure to Busselton Water’s customers downstream.
The new sections of pipeline will be tied into the existing supply main as they are completed and once all sections are constructed it will become a dedicated Distribution Main.
Having a new, dedicated Distribution Main will be hugely beneficial as it will allow for pressure management on both mains and eliminate bulk water transfer disruption due to breakages and leaks.
Has Busselton Water considered any environmental and heritage impacts?
Busselton Water has worked with expert consultants to ensure that appropriate flora, fauna and Aboriginal heritage surveys were undertaken, and that an environmental management plan is in place and adhered to throughout construction.
Will private landowners be impacted?
The project has necessitated easements to be created on five private properties along Caves Road and Busselton Water has engaged directly with each impacted landowner to work through the individual circumstances as it relates to their property. The new pipeline will be totally underground.
When will the project start and finish?
Construction is currently anticipated to commence in early February 2025 and take approximately four months to complete.
Hours of work
Contractor on-site working hours are expected to be between 7am and 6pm on weekdays, with occasional work on Saturdays as required.
Impact management
Standard construction noise can be expected throughout the works, which will be monitored and managed in accordance with the City of Busselton regulations and Busselton Water’s Construction Safety and Management Plans. Water carts will be used in the road reserve work areas to manage dust.
The new pipeline will be installed using horizontal directional drilling. There will be times during drilling activities when access to driveways will be temporarily affected. Busselton Water and its contractors will provide advance notice one week prior to impacted residents as required.
Throughout the project, traffic management will be required between Mitchell Street and Marybrook Road, with speed reductions and periodic short-term traffic holds expected. Traffic management will be provided in accordance with a Traffic Management Plan that has been authorised by Main Roads WA and the City of Busselton.
Download the project information sheet.
Busselton Water is committed to delivering a successful project for the benefit of the community and will continue to update this information as the project progresses.
Should you have questions at any point please don’t hesitate to contact our Project Manager Conor Gill via email at [email protected] or mobile at 0400 300 947.
