Works are underway on Tasmania’s largest water treatment plant, with the upgrades marking the biggest single infrastructure project delivered in the history of TasWater.
TasWater Capital Delivery Office Alliance Program Manager Ian Penman said the project is going ahead, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, with staff using necessary measures to stay safe.
“The upgrade of the Bryn Estyn water treatment plant is a crucial part of ensuring we can continue to give our customers safe and reliable water to drink for decades to come,” Penman said.
“We have had water supply challenges in the past, including the need to slow down production to deal with the algae residue in the warmer months, and below average rainfall which contributed to recent water restrictions.
“The plant upgrade plays an important role in ensuring we can increase water supply and storage and improve water quality, especially in the hotter months when demand increases.”
The upgrade project has an expected investment of $200 million over the next three years.
Penman said it is crucial to keep the momentum going for important works during the pandemic, and that many people in the community will benefit from jobs created for the project.
“Importantly, at a time when many Tasmanians and local businesses are struggling, it will provide employment for many local contractors who will be involved in the construction,” he said.
“The upgrade of this plant means we will have water security into the future, even if we continue to experience dry summers and the continued population growth expected in southern Tasmania.”
The project’s design will enable future upgrades, too – additional modules can be added to expand the plant, allowing for population and supply growth.
The upgrade is expected to be completed in 2023.
by Water Source
