As the principal contractor on the Grahamstown Water Treatment Plant (WTP) upgrade project for Hunter Water, Eire Constructions knows something about keeping water clean.
Eire Constructions is the principal contractor on the Grahamstown Water Treatment Plant (WTP) upgrade project for Hunter Water, located in Tomago, NSW. This pivotal $38M project involves the design and construction of a state-of-the-art ultraviolet (UV) water treatment facility, plus a number of other upgrades including a new lime dosing facility, delivered to enhance the operational efficiency and safety of one of the region’s largest water treatment plants. The works will allow for future demand expansion to service the residents and businesses within the Lower Hunter region.
A vital resource: Grahamstown Water Treatment Plant
The Grahamstown WTP is a critical asset, with a current peak supply capacity of 257 megalitres per day supplying safe drinking water to 390,000 people in the lower Hunter region. This facility plays a vital role in ensuring a reliable supply of safe drinking water, drawing from both Grahamstown Dam and the Tomago Sandbeds. Given its capacity and significance, the plant stands as a cornerstone in the infrastructure supporting the community’s water needs.
The existing treatment process at Grahamstown is based on conventional methods, including coagulation and flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, pH correction, disinfection, and fluoridation. Each of these steps is essential in ensuring the water is not only clean but also safe for consumption. However, as technology advances, there is a growing need to adopt more efficient and effective methods to further enhance water quality and safety. This is where the new UV water treatment facility and lime dosing facility come into play.
Collaboration with Hunter Water
Collaboration is key to the success of any major project, and Eire is proud to work alongside Hunter Water on this significant project. Hunter Water’s commitment to providing reliable water and wastewater services to its customers, consumers and the community aligns perfectly with Eire’s vision to build the communities we want to live in.
Having a positive relationship ensures the project adheres to the highest standards of safety and regulatory compliance while being delivered efficiently and within budget. Regular communication and collaboration between the two organisations facilitates a smooth workflow and helps to address any challenges that may arise during the construction process.
Project overview
The Grahamstown WTP upgrade involves several critical components designed to enhance the water treatment processes and allow for future expansion to meet future demands. Key features of the upgrade include design and construction of a new UV disinfection system, installation of new pipes and pits, construction of a new lime dosing facility, upgrades to existing chemical storage bund and decommissioning and removal of redundant equipment.
This project showcases Eire’s key capability and experience in complex project management and water treatment infrastructure expertise.
Key considerations and challenges
Executing such an extensive upgrade presented numerous challenges that Eire are well experienced to manage. Managing operations while the plant remains active is the most significant challenge as part of the project. Project Manager Phil Wilson explains.
“Plants by their very nature are complex and challenging, consisting of many moving parts and requiring expertise across a multitude of disciplines.”
Eire are implementing rigorous safety protocols and scheduling work during off-peak hours whenever possible to minimise any impact on the facility’s daily operations.
Shutting down the plant to bring the works progressively online is a major challenge, working closely with Hunter Water and plant operators as well as detailed planning has allowed for uninterrupted supply to the end user.
Navigating a brownfields site presents unique challenges, particularly when dealing with existing and aging services. Eire carefully navigated these existing structures to minimise disruption and ensure the safety of both workers and the active treatment plant. A detailed assessment of the site’s infrastructure was conducted prior to the start of the project, allowing the team to develop a comprehensive plan that mitigates potential risks.
Finally, mitigating the risks associated with a congested site. Working with multiple contractors and ongoing activities means that Eire are employing advanced project management strategies to coordinate between various teams, ensuring that each aspect of the upgrade progresses smoothly. This includes regular safety meetings, progress assessments, and adaptive planning to address any unforeseen challenges that may arise.
Commitment to quality and safety
Eire Construction prides itself on its commitment to quality and safety. The team comprises experienced professionals who understand the intricacies of water treatment facilities. Continuous training and review of procedures and adherence to industry best practices ensure that every task is completed to the highest standards.
Moreover, the company is dedicated to environmental sustainability. Throughout the upgrade, Eire is implementing measures to minimise the ecological footprint of the project like partnering with specialist waste contractor Central Waste Station to recycle 90% of project that is being processed to go back into the circular economy.
Looking Ahead
Phil said, “Everyone from the crew and subcontractors on the ground, through to our site management team, and our design and delivery partners, have put in a huge effort over the past 18 months and it’s great to see that effort being rewarded with project success.”
The Grahamstown Water Treatment Plant project is an exciting endeavour that showcases Eire’s dedication to building water treatment infrastructure in the Hunter region. The project is still ongoing with commissioning works to be completed by March 2025
For more information, visit eirecon.com.au and hunterwater.com.au
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