Desalination plant and pipe works progress

Two major milestones have been reached since construction of the new plant recommenced in October 2022.

The building’s structural framework, including supporting beams for the curved roof structure, is now complete and ready for cladding.

The site’s first major concrete pour in March 2023 takes the total amount of concrete poured on site to 245 cubic metres.

We’ve also completed more than 70 metres of temporary causeway which, once complete, will allow the new intake and outfall pipes to be installed.

A 14-kilometre section of trunk main, installed between Pelican Lagoon and Haines, marks the completion of almost half of our 34-kilometre underground trunk main along Hog Bay Road. We are now installing the 20-kilometre section of pipeline between Arronmore Road and Playford Highway and expect to be finished later this year. This section has ductile cement-lined pipe being installed.

Routine hydrotesting is now underway to ensure this section is ready to deliver first water mid next year.

We are now installing the 20-kilometre section of pipeline between Arronmore Road and Playford Highway and expect to be finished later this year. This section has ductile cement-lined pipe being installed.

Our stage one pipe testing identified faults that impacted our confidence in being able to deliver a high quality and reliable water service. To ensure we can deliver a high-quality water service, we have decided to replace the entire length of pipeline between Penneshaw and Pelican Lagoon.

Work is scheduled to begin later this year, will take several months to complete and will be carried out in parallel with our stage two pipeline installation. This first 15-kilometres of PVC pipeline will be replaced with ductile iron cement-lined pipe – the same material being used in stage two.

For the safety of our crews and people travelling through the area, traffic management will be in place for the duration of the pipeline works.

New connection applications

Water connection applications for the reduced rate have now closed.

Next steps:

1. Once a formal connection application has been submitted, a connection application number will be provided to you. This confirms that your application has been received.
2. We will then collate all applications. Once our billing team have undertaken that process and your application is approved, we will send you an invoice for the connection application fee.
3. When this invoice is received, it can then be paid by the applicant.

Frequently Asked Questions

We are committed to providing new water connections for the property owners in American River, Baudin Beach, Island Beach and Sapphiretown.

The Standard connection fee of $2844 (updated each financial year) will now apply.

Construction of township reticulation mains are planned to commence in the first half of 2023, and we will provide advance notice of activities related to your community. Water supply via the new connections is expected around mid-2024, once the new trunk main, reticulation mains and new desalination plant is complete.

Your new connection includes the infrastructure required to deliver water to the boundary of your property, along with a new 20mm water meter. Once this meter is in place, you can engage a licensed plumbing contractor to connect your property to the meter at your cost.

Fixed charge for water supply

The 2022-23 annual charge for the supply of safe, reliable and affordable water to your home is $70.80 per quarter, $283.20 per year.

The new network on Kangaroo Island would be designed to be available for connection and cater for supply needs of all properties adjacent to the main, including those opting not to connect straight away. As the mains network is designed to meet the water service needs of each property for your benefit and that of future owners, this charge applies whether your property is connected to the network or not.

New customers who want to discuss connection opportunities can direct any questions to kinewdesal@sawater.com.au.