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.

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

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.

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. 
 

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.

 

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.