Upgrading our Caves Road pipeline

Planning for the future is a fundamental part of Busselton Water’s role. The growth in the South West over recent years has been significant – and there’s no indication that it will slow. With growth, comes the need to consider how best to expand and manage our network of bores, plants and pipelines to service a larger community.

In addition to providing drinking water to Busselton and surrounds, Busselton Water supplies bulk water to the Water Corporation’s Mewett Road Water Treatment Plant in Quindalup. This water supply is then distributed to the Dunsborough township and surrounding areas by the Water Corporation.

The Water Corporation has advised that it will soon require an increased level of daily water supply from Busselton Water. The existing network infrastructure, specifically the pipeline along Caves Road, is simply not sufficient to meet the flow rates required to provide this additional supply without being upgraded.

Busselton Water is preparing to undertake a necessary infrastructure upgrade along Caves Road – this project will involve the design and construction of a 450mm diameter PVC (or equivalent) water supply pipeline which will run 1.2km along Caves Road from Lennox Drain to Marybrook Drain. It will be constructed on the south side of Caves Road in three stages.

FAQs

What is the water supply arrangement between Busselton Water and the Water Corporation?

Busselton Water currently supplies bulk water to the Water Corporation’s Mewett Road Water Treatment Plant in Quindalup via a single water supply main. This water supply is then distributed to the Dunsborough township and surrounding areas by the Water Corporation.

The water is supplied under a commercial water supply agreement which sets out six daily water entitlement levels.

Currently the supply is on the first level, at around 2,500kl per day. However, the Water Corporation has notified Busselton Water that it now needs to move to the second level – which at around 3,400kl per day.

Why is this project needed?

The existing network infrastructure, specifically the pipeline along Caves Road, is simply not sufficient to meet the flow rates for this next level without being upgraded.

What will the project involve?

The Caves Road pipeline upgrade project will involve the design and construction of a 450mm diameter PVC (or equivalent) additional water supply main which will run 1.2km along Caves Road from Lennox Drain to Marybrook Drain.

What are the benefits of this project?

As well as ensuring future water supply demands can be met as the South West’s population continues to grow – this project will also increase the network capacity and improve water pressure to Busselton Water’s customers downstream.

The new sections of pipeline will be tied into the existing supply main as they are completed and once all sections are constructed it will become a dedicated Distribution Main.

Having a new, dedicated Distribution Main will be hugely beneficially as it will allow for pressure management on both mains and eliminate bulk water transfer disruption due to breakages and leaks.

Has Busselton Water considered any environmental and heritage impacts?

Busselton Water is working with expert consultants to ensure that appropriate flora, fauna and Aboriginal heritage surveys are undertaken, and that the results are considered in the planning and design for the project.

Will private landowners be impacted?

The project will necessitate easements to be created on five private properties along Caves Road and Busselton Water is engaging directly with each impacted landowner to work through the individual circumstances as it relates to their property. The new pipeline will be totally underground.

When will the project start and finish?

Construction, pending necessary approvals and permits, is currently anticipated to commence in March 2025 and take approximately three-months to complete.