Work has begun on a new underground pipeline project which will lead to a significant improvement in Orange’s water and sewer network.
The dual 6km pipelines are designed to upgrade both water and sewer infrastructure between Orange and Lake Canobolas, providing a broad range of health and environmental benefits to the community.
Orange City Council Infrastructure Committee chair, Cr Jack Evans welcomed the new project.
“The lake is an important tourism and recreation location and these benefits will be enjoyed by the thousands of people who visit the lake every year. The new water pipeline will not only mean an improvement in the delivery of water quality for the lake recreation area and the Scout Camp, but also for the 20 houses between Orange and the Lake,” Cr Jack Evans said.
“Since taking on management of the Scout Camp, Orange City Council has gradually been upgrading the facilities there. The new sewer pipeline and a planned new sewer pump station will enable us to phase out the system of septic tanks at both the Scout Camp and the Lake recreation area. That’s much better for the environment.”
The existing water main that supplies the Lake Canobolas Reserve is a 300mm cast iron main that is more than 100 years old. The new water pipe will deliver improved water pressure, and remedy problems with low residual chlorine levels.
In October Orange City Council awarded the $1.7 million construction tender to Canberra-based firm Utilstra Pty Ltd.
The accepted tender includes plans to source a large proportion of the work to local contractors.
The dual underground pipelines would run the six kilometres from Lake Canobolas to the edge of the city’s current water and sewer networks.
