Pipeline passes pressure tests
Date published: 4 February 2020
Stage 1 of the Haughton Water Pipeline Duplication Project has achieved another significant milestone, with crews completing pressure tests to confirm the integrity of two sections of the project.
The gravity outlet section in the Ross River Dam catchment passed its 300 kilopascal (kPa) test and a longer section of the pipe has passed a 2000 kPa test.
Townsville Water and Waste Committee Chair, Cr Russ Cook, said the tests are a crucial part of the project.
“Local company CivilPlus Constructions installed nine kilometres of pipeline and was the first contractor to test their pipes, and I’m pleased to say that the pipes and joints passed the test,” Cr Cook said.
“The 2.6 kilometre gravity outlet section in the dam catchment has also passed its test so we now have a total of 11.6 kilometres of pipe pressure tested in Stage 1 of the Haughton Pipeline.
“The tests are one of the final commissioning tasks for completing Stage 1.”
Cr Cook said the last section of Stage 1 should reach the milestone by March.
“The testing will occur across four separate sections to verify the integrity of the pipeline joints,” Cr Cook said.
“I think it is important to note that this pipeline is giving local companies a great opportunity to develop their skills so they can pursue major projects across the country.”
Member for Townsville, Scott Stewart, said the Palaszczuk Government had committed $225 million for Townsville’s water security, with $215 million going towards the Haughton Pipeline Duplication Project.
“I listened to the Townsville community. They told me that water security was essential as a growing city and we needed to build infrastructure that matched our future needs,” Mr Stewart said.
“This pipeline is a critical piece of infrastructure for Townsville’s future and I am excited that construction has reached this latest milestone.
“Townsville is a dry tropics city with irregular rainfall and this pipeline will ensure it has the security of water it needs for the decades to come.
“The project has the added benefit of supporting local jobs, so it’s a win-win for the Townsville community.”
Cr Cook said the water for the pressure testing will be provided by the existing pipeline.
“The water for the tests will come from the current Haughton Pipeline, which will be activated for this purpose,” Cr Cook said.
“Water will be re-used where possible to test different sections of the pipeline, and most of it will remain in the pipeline until it is ready to be used.”
