SA Water has completed more than 1.1 kilometres of trunk water main to service the next stage of residential growth in Onkaparinga Heights, delivering the works ahead of schedule and positioning the precinct for an initial 1,000 homes.
The utility has also confirmed a significant expansion of wastewater capacity, committing to a permanent network capable of servicing up to 1,600 allotments.
- Want more information on what Inside Water is up to? Sign up for our weekly email, landing in inboxes with the latest news.
- Do you want the magazine delivered to your letterbox? Sign up here to subscribe.
What has been delivered on the water side?
The newly commissioned trunk water main provides the backbone supply needed to underpin housing construction in the southern growth area.
SA Water General Manager of Growth Amanda Lewry said early delivery of enabling infrastructure gives developers certainty.
“Having this critical water infrastructure in place early gives developers the certainty they need to move ahead with construction,” Ms Lewry said.
“It is an important step for a growing part of Adelaide, and we are focused on delivering reliable services that support ongoing development.”
How is wastewater capacity expanding?
In parallel with the water main, SA Water has committed to a permanent sewer solution that will more than triple the original servicing capacity for the area.
“Expanding the scope of the wastewater network means we can support a larger number of homes, while reducing the reliance on temporary wastewater tankering,” Ms Lewry said.
“Temporary tankering remains a common and necessary interim measure to service new developments until they reach a population that generates sufficient wastewater flows to maintain normal infrastructure conditions within a permanent network.
“The delivery of this permanent wastewater infrastructure includes approximately 2.1 kilometres of new sewer main, with these pipes ranging from 150 to 300 millimetres in diameter.
“The network will cross Main South Road and connect into our existing system to service homes within the greenfield development.”
A final delivery timeframe for the sewer works will be confirmed in consultation with developers.
How does this fit into broader housing plans?
The Onkaparinga Heights works form part of SA Water’s $1.5 billion infrastructure program under the South Australian Government’s Housing Roadmap, aimed at unlocking supply across Adelaide’s northern and southern growth fronts.
Further network expansions are under consideration to align with projected development, subject to funding approvals in future regulatory periods.