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Macleay Island pipeline replacement

Seqwater is investing $2.5 million to replace a 400m water supply pipeline that runs between Lamb Island and Macleay Island.

Seqwater operates a connected network of water infrastructure including dams, water treatment plants and pipelines to provide a safe, secure and cost-effective bulk water supply to South East Queensland.  

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Home What We're Doing Macleay Island pipeline replacement

Seqwater is working to replace a 400m water supply pipeline that runs between Lamb Island and Macleay Island. A leak was detected close to the Macleay Island side of the water pipeline.

Work to replace the pipeline has commenced. Works will be conducted from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Sunday and may take up to eight weeks to complete, subject to weather and unforeseen delays.

To complete the pipeline replacement, Seqwater will need to temporarily turn off the water supply to residents. This is planned to occur during the night and outside of peak time, at the end of the repair works.

We are committed to minimising the impacts of this work for residents and businesses and will keep the community up to date as the project progresses.

What to expect

Neighbours nearby the construction area will notice work crews onsite from 21 May 2021.

Early work will involve setting up a work site on Lamb Island, for machinery including a drilling rig. 

A trench will be tunnel bored approximately 25 metres under the water for the new pipeline to be installed.

The replacement pipeline will be constructed on Macleay Island and fed through the new 400m hole to Lamb Island.

Drilling work to establish the new pipeline trench is expected to take about eight weeks to complete, weather permitting.

Work crews will be moving around both Lamb and Macleay Islands in utility vehicles from now until the project is completed.

We will work to minimise these impacts where possible.

To complete the pipeline replacement, Seqwater will need to temporarily turn off water supply to Macleay Island in order to switch over to the new pipe.

This is planned to occur during the night and outside of peak time, at the end of the repair works.

The community will be kept informed as the repairs are finalised and confirm a date for the temporary shutdown.

Seqwater and Council are working closely to ensure we minimise any disruptions for the community.

  • Project updates
  • Water supply updates
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Lamb Island laydown site preperations

    Water pipeline replacement for Lamb and Macleay Islands

    The final stage of the water pipeline replacement between Lamb and Macleay Islands will take place on Saturday 14 August 2021.

    Connecting the new pipeline with the existing island networks will require a planned water supply shutdown for residents on both islands from 7:30pm on Saturday until the morning of Sunday 15 August.

    Seqwater has already installed the new pipeline in a temporary configuration to prevent any unplanned outages while awaiting the delivery of final components to complete the project.

    Work will include removing the temporary end-connections of the new pipe and then welding-in the permanent new end sections. In order to complete this work, water supply will need to be temporarily turned off.

    Seqwater Chief Operating Officer, Stuart Cassie, said to prevent further water supply disruptions caused by another fault in the pipe, the decision was made to replace the entire 400 metre section of the 25-year-old pipe.

    “This replacement is the final stage of work to fully repair the pipeline between Lamb and Macleay Islands and Seqwater is grateful for the support and patience of residents”, Mr Cassie said.

    “Residents on both Lamb and Macleay Islands are encouraged to prepare for the planned shutdown by filling containers with drinking water to have available through the night.

    “There will also be some noise impacts for the nearby residents of the work sites on both islands, and we apologise and thank the community for their patience,” he said.

    Seqwater has invested $3.7 million since 2019 towards pipeline improvements and replacements, improving water security in the Bay Islands.

    Seqwater would like to thank local resident, Chris Zahn, who alerted Redland City Council and Seqwater of the original leak.

    Planned-Works-macleay-island-thumb

    Overnight water supply interruption 14 August 2021

    Overnight construction work is scheduled from 6pm on Saturday 14 August 2021, subject to weather and any unforeseen delays. To complete these works, Seqwater must temporarily turn off water supply for people living on Macleay and Lamb islands overnight. Water will be restored on Sunday morning once work is complete.

    Seqwater is nearing completion of the project to install a new 400 metre section of pipeline between Lamb and Macleay Islands. The final connection part of the project is scheduled for the weekend of 14 and 15 August 2021. Following that some remediation work will continue.

    What to expect:

    • loss of water supply overnight from 7.30pm on Saturday night
    • extensive noise from pipework cutting, welding and construction
    • work within the new valve pits installed on both Lamb and Macleay Islands, close to your property
    • use of heavy machinery, such as drill rigs, pumps and trucks
    • flashing lights and reversing beepers (for workplace health and safety, these cannot be switched off)

    All work sites will be restored at the end of the project. We are committed to minimising the impacts of this project on local residents and businesses and will continue to keep you up to date as the project progresses.

    Seqwater has been working to install a replacement pipeline between Macleay and Lamb Islands following a recent leak.

    Thank you for your continued patience as we work to repair your water supply infrastructure.

    Follow us on Facebook for updates: https://www.facebook.com/Seqwater

    Planned-Works-macleay-island-thumb

    Overnight water supply interruption 10 July 2021

    Seqwater has been working to install a replacement pipeline between Macleay and Lamb Islands following a recent leak.

    We will temporarily turn off water supply overnight on Saturday 10 July to complete the installation of a temporary pipeline. Water will be restored once work is complete on Sunday morning.

    What to expect:

    • This work will be completed at night when water use is lowest.
    • Work crews will be moving about the island in utility vehicles in the days before the shut down, with an increase in traffic on 10 July.
    • Seqwater contractors will be bringing fittings to site and getting ready before the shut down to minimise the duration of the disruption.
    • Because the work will be conducted at night, lighting will be in place and noise will be more noticeable, particularly around Cressy Street.

    We are committed to minimising the impacts of this project for residents and businesses and will keep you up to date. We appreciate your understanding as we work to maintain our critical water infrastructure.

    How to prepare for the shutdown:

    • Before the shut down, fill your available water containers with drinking water to have in the fridge or available during the night
    • Fill your bathtub with water to use for flushing toilets only
    • If you usually have an evening shower, make sure you have it before 9pm on Saturday 10 July

    Once the water supply is returned, let the water run for 2-3 minutes to clear. Your water is safe to drink but there may be some discoloured water when you first turn on your tap.

    Construction is underway on site Macleay Island to replace 400m water supply pipeline

    Temporary water pipeline to be installed between Lamb and Macleay Islands

    A temporary water supply pipeline between Lamb and Macleay Islands will be installed on Monday 5 July, after Seqwater identified a leak in the existing pipeline had increased.

    A temporary water supply pipeline between Lamb and Macleay Islands will be installed on Monday 5 July, after Seqwater identified a leak in the existing pipeline had increased.

    Seqwater Chief Operating Officer, Stuart Cassie, said a permanent repair for the leak was underway, but a temporary solution was required to ensure the leak did not cause water disruption for the community.

    “We are currently awaiting the arrival of an important valve component to finalise the repairs which will be completed as soon as possible,” Mr Cassie said. 

    “In the interim, our team has been monitoring the leak daily and this week crews detected an increase in the size of the leak.

    “To reduce the risk of an unplanned disruption to water supply, we have made the decision to install a temporary pipeline so we can redivert water and isolate the leak.”

    Crews will mobilise to site on Lamb and Macleay Island on Monday 5 July to connect the temporary pipeline to the main supply.

    The temporary pipeline installation will require a planned shutdown overnight. This is currently planned for Saturday 10 July, when water usage is at its lowest. 

    The temporary pipeline will remain in place, above the ground, along Cressy Street on Macleay Island, until a new valve pit can be installed and the permanent pipeline can be fully installed underground. 

    “When the leak was first discovered, Seqwater mobilised a team to site immediately and transported the temporary pipeline to Macleay island so it could be installed very quickly if required,” Mr Cassie said.

    “We would like to thank the community for their patience as we work to complete repairs. Seqwater will continue to keep residents informed and provide an update when the valve component is received and a date is confirmed.”

    A further overnight water supply shutdown will be required for the permanent pipeline connection in coming weeks. 
     

    Lamb Island laydown site preperations

    Pipeline replacement work underway

    Work to replace the bulk water pipeline between Lamb and Macleay islands is well underway, with drilling investigations now complete.
     

    Seqwater is prioritising the project following the discovery of a leak pipeline under the mudflats of Macleay Island in May.

    Seqwater Chief Operating Officer, Stuart Cassie, said a team mobilised to site as soon as the leak was detected and began investigations and planning for repairs.

    “Seqwater has been monitoring the situation around the clock to ensure the leak does not cause water disruption for the community,” Mr Cassie said.

    “The water pressure within the pipeline remains strong, which means we are delivering on our promise to maintain supply to Macleay Island. All residents can continue their normal water use at this time.”

    Works are occurring seven days a week to create space for the new pipeline to be installed, about 25 metres under water.

    “We need to drill a hole suitable for the new 400mm pipeline to be installed,” Mr Cassie said.

    To complete the pipeline replacement, Seqwater will need to temporarily turn off water supply to Lamb and Macleay Islands in order to switch over to the new pipe.

    This is planned to occur during the night and outside of peak time, at the end of the repair works.

    We will keep the community informed as we finalise repairs and confirm a date for the temporary shutdown.

    Seqwater and Council are working closely to ensure we minimise any disruptions for the community.

     

    Lamb Island laydown site preperations

    Bore drilling and construction noise - Lamb Island

    Seqwater is undertaking work to install a new 400 metre section of pipeline between Lamb and Macleay Islands to support our commitment to a safe, sustainable and efficient SEQ Water Grid.

    Work is expected to take up to six weeks, from late May 2021, to complete, subject to weather and any unforeseen delays.

    What’s happening?

    Seqwater is undertaking work to install a new 400 metre section of pipeline between Lamb and Macleay Islands to support our commitment to a safe, sustainable and efficient SEQ Water Grid.

    Work is expected to take up to six weeks, from late May 2021, to complete, subject to weather and any unforeseen delays. 

    Work hours will be conducted Monday to Sunday from 7am to 6pm. 

    What to expect:

    • a construction site has been mobilized close to the easement near your property
    • use of heavy machinery, such as drill rigs, pumps and trucks
    • bore drilling and trenching which will create noise and dust
    • flashing lights and reversing beepers (for workplace health and safety, these cannot be switched off).

    We are committed to minimising the impacts of this project on local residents and businesses and will continue to keep you up to date as the project progresses. All work sites will be restored at the end of the project.

    Thank you for your understanding as we work to maintain our critical water infrastructure.

  • Water supply updates

    To complete the pipeline replacement, Seqwater will need to temporarily turn off water supply to Lamb and Macleay Islands in order to switch over to the new pipe.

    This is planned to occur during the night and outside of peak time, at the end of the repair works.

    The community will be kept informed as the repairs are finalised and confirm a date for the temporary shutdown.

    Seqwater and Redland City Council are working closely to ensure we minimise any disruptions for the community.

    Community notices

  • Why do you need to replace the pipeline?

    Due to the location of the leak in the pipeline, the decision was made to do a full replacement of the 400m stretch between Macleay and Lamb islands.

    The leak is located about 20 metres off Macleay Island. The pipe is located under the water surface and mud flats making it difficult to access for repairs. Installing a new pipeline ensures a safe and reliable supply of water to residents on Macleay Island.

    Is this related to the previous bursts on Karragarra Island?

    The leak is not related to – or as significant as – pipeline bursts that have occurred on the nearby Karragarra Island in recent years.

    Where is the water sourced from for the Southern Moreton Bay Islands?

    The bulk water pipeline that supplies the Southern Moreton Bay Islands is a single offtake from Russell Island. This water is sourced from a range of locations including North Stradbroke Island and Mt Crosby WTP via the Eastern Pipeline Interconnector (EPI).

    What is Seqwater doing to check and assure the integrity of the water supply to the Southern Moreton Bay Islands before another failure event occurs?

    Seqwater runs a regular maintenance schedule across all of the SEQ Water Grid within which these pipelines belong. Seqwater has a strategic asset management plan for maintaining our assets and minimising unplanned shutdowns.

    Will I lose water supply for this project?

    To complete the pipeline replacement, Seqwater will need to temporarily turn off water supply to Macleay Island in order to switch over to the new pipe.

    When will the water be shut down?

    This is planned to occur during the night and outside of peak time, at the end of the repair works.

    We will keep the community informed as we finalise repairs and confirm a date for the temporary shutdown.

    Seqwater and Council are working closely to ensure we minimise any disruptions for the community.

    Why does the water need to be shut down for the project?

    To be able to finalise the installation of the new pipeline, the flow of water will need to be stopped to ensure a dry work site for the cut in. 

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