Morgan Whyalla pipeline renewal

The Morgan to Whyalla Pipeline remains a cornerstone of South Australia’s water infrastructure since its completion in the 1940s. The above ground pipeline supports our regional communities with a supply of safe, clean drinking water across the Mid North, Yorke Peninsula and Eyre Peninsula, which is produced at SA Water’s Morgan Water Treatment Plant in the Riverland.

To ensure a reliable water supply into the future, we’re undertaking a two-year renewal project to replace more than 9 kilometres of the 358-kilometre pipeline. We’ve prioritised sections of the pipeline for renewal based on condition assessments and performance, with the long-term program helping secure regional SA’s water supply and preparing the network for ongoing residential and business growth.

What we’re doing

Working with our contractor, McConnell Dowell Diona Joint Venture (MDJV), we’re replacing up to 12 kilometres of the pipeline. New sections of pipeline will be constructed above ground and in parallel to the existing infrastructure, to minimise interruption to customers’ water supply.

They’ll be constructed using mild steel cement-lined pipe and feature a modern, specialised external coating to ensure the pipe’s durability.

In parallel with this project, SA Water is also undertaking additional maintenance work along several sections of the Morgan to Whyalla Pipeline. This work involves replacing concrete chairs, which are used as support structures that sit underneath the pipeline. Crews will be working in similar areas to where SA Water is upgrading sections of the pipeline and will continue along its length into other areas.

Protecting the environment

The main sections of the pipeline planned for installation travel through the Mallee Bird Community of the Murray Darling Depression Bioregion, which has been listed as a new Threatened Ecological Community by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW).

Bird species such as the South-Eastern Hooded Robin and Southern Whiteface, which are now considered respectively Nationally Endangered and Nationally Vulnerable, are included in the ecological community that covers large sections of Mallee Woodlands and Shrublands.

To minimise any impact, we’ve aligned the project’s timeline to avoid the breeding season of particular species, conducting vegetation clearing and preparation of supporting infrastructure in advance. By avoiding mechanised construction during these critical times, we’re protecting the local biodiversity while ensuring the delivery of this essential infrastructure project.

When it’s happening

After completing detailed research and environmental assessments, which underpinned our approval to proceeded with construction from the EPBC, we’re now ready to move forward with upgrading sections of this critical pipeline. Site preparation, including vegetation clearing and concrete footing work, is now underway. Major pipeline construction is scheduled to start in later in 2025.

The two-year project is expected to be completed in late 2027, and through our modified construction methodology, will secure reliable water services for regional South Australia while preserving the environment.

How can you get involved?

We’re interested in hearing from local businesses that may be able to provide opportunities for accommodation, catering, and other services during construction. If you’re interested in supporting the project with any services, please contact MDJV Procurement(External link).

Keeping you updated

We’re committed to keeping you updated through Water Talks and other communication channels.

Any localised changes to traffic or water supply interruptions will be communicated well in advance.