THE construction phase of the 40km Scone to Murrurundi water pipeline is scheduled to be completed next month.
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The pipeline, once commissioned, will provide a secure water source for the Upper Hunter town, which has relied on daily water carting since January 2019.
To say the project, funded by the NSW Government as part of the Restart NSW Water Security for Regions program, is eagerly-awaited is an understatement.
Murrurundi has been on Level 6 restrictions for almost two years.
Contractor Leed Engineering and Construction's delivered the major development in record time, bringing the construction works to completion by March.
The project includes two 400kL balance tanks and three pump stations, required to move up to 2ML of water each day 40km from the Scone reservoirs to the Murrurundi reservoir.
"The pipeline itself is entirely buried, between 600mm and 900mm below the ground surface, with access points to valves the only visible indicator of its location," an Upper Hunter Shire Council spokesperson said.
"Affected property owners adjacent to the pipe route have commended Leed on the quality of their finished works.
"Once the construction phase is complete, the project will enter the commissioning stage.
"Commissioning involves a comprehensive testing of all the electrical and mechanical components, including alarm testing and emergency scenarios.
"The pipeline, valves and balance tanks are checked for leaks, civil works checked for defects and water quality confirmed.
"During commissioning, it is expected that some water will be able to be moved through the system and water carting reduced.
"However, until the process is complete, Level 6 restrictions will need to remain in place."
It is anticipated that commissioning may be completed by April, at which point water restrictions in Murrurundi will be immediately reduced to match those of Scone and Aberdeen.
The completed pipeline will provide a better quality and secure supply of water to the town, as Glenbawn Dam is one of the best and most reliable in the state.
Once complete, a community event will take place to mark the official opening of the pipeline.
Details of the opening and associated activities will be provided once the date has been confirmed.
"As always, residents across the Upper Hunter Shire are encouraged to practice good water management no matter where their water is coming from," the spokesperson said.
"Council wishes to thank the residents in Murrurundi for their continued patience and water conservation efforts while this project has been ongoing."