Industry recognition for Willans Hill project

Mar 31, 2021

Riverina Water has been recognised by the engineering industry for its $4.2M Willans Hill reservoirs project.

The local water utility received a highly commended for Innovation in Water Supply at the NSW&ACT Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) awards presentation.

The project saw the ageing open reservoir at Willans Hill replaced with two fully enclosed 11-megalitre reservoirs.

“To gain industry recognition is a wonderful achievement,” Riverina Water Chairperson Greg Verdon said.

“I would like to congratulate the many staff and contractors involved who helped make this project possible, from the planning stages through to delivery.

“It is another example of the best-practice approach we take to supplying our region with safe and reliable drinking water every day.”

Works on the Willans Hill site started in 2018 with blasting to remove 60,000 tonnes of earth and rock. Approximately 1300 cubic metres of concrete has been poured to build the two new reservoirs, which are joined by an elevated platform.

Project Engineer – Networks Anjanee Bichani said fully enclosed reservoirs reduce issues such as leaking and evaporation that occurred with the open reservoir, which was built in 1966.

“The old open reservoir was essentially a large concrete pond that was exposed to wildlife and the sun, making it costly to maintain,” he said. “The new reservoirs are enclosed with an aluminium roof, which is a much more secure and efficient system.

“A combined capacity of 22ML allows water to be turned over more frequently and is more efficient than the old open reservoir.”