Water Corporation’s $25 million Albany to Denmark pipeline in Western Australia will secure the region a year-round water supply.
On 3 August, Water Minister Dave Kelly announced the official completion of the Albany to Denmark pipeline.
Denmark’s water supply has been heavily impacted by climate change, and according to Water Corporation, the region has experienced increasingly dry decades since records began in 1911.
Between 2014 and 2019, Denmark recorded four of its five driest winters on record.
Rainfall is becoming an increasingly less reliable source of year-round drinking water.
To secure the town’s water supply, a 43 km pipeline has been constructed to connect Denmark to Lower Great Southern Towns Water Supply Scheme (LGSTWSS).
The project began in September 2019 with construction commencing July 2020, following the appointment of local contractor Georgiou.
The pipeline was installed using horizontal directional drilling, or trenchless construction, to mitigate impact on natural resources.
An average of 400 m of pipe was installed each day, or 2 km per week.
The pipeline is not expected to be required until next year due to the current dam levels and the above-average rainfall the region experienced this year.
Mr Kelly said that this winter’s heavy rainfall was an anomaly, and the last time the dam was full at this time of year was 2005.
Environmental targets were exceeded through construction, with a 42 per cent reduction in vegetation clearance and all black cockatoo habitat intact.
The project was a collaboration between Water Corporation, Shire of Denmark, City of Albany, Main Roads, Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, and head contractor Georgiou.
For more information visit the Water Corporation website.