The SA Water project to improve drinking water supply to the township of Orroroo was officially completed on the 31^st March 2019. Construction was undertaken by Leed Engineering and Construction, and works occurred between Sept 2018 and March 2019.

After decades of lobbying from the Orroroo Community the 36 km pipeline from Peterborough to Orroroo was installed. The alignment of the new pipeline was mostly laid under road verges along a route that follows Petersburg Road, RM Williams Way, Bencic Road and Minburra Road.

The water now supplying Orroroo is treated at the Morgan Water Treatment Plant and is some of the state’s highest quality water, being voted South Australia’s best-tasting tap water in 2016 and 2017. The new water has already made a positive difference to the lifestyle and businesses of people living in Orroroo and will continue to promote confidence in the town. Businesses and home owners will benefit through improved asset life and subsequent reduction in infrastructure replacement expense.

Council’s involvement in the project included collaboration with SA Water management and operational staff, support and involvement with members of the reference group. Council were also key in supporting SA Water in the BYO bottle launch event which coincided with the Orroroo Half-Marathon on the 31^st March 2019.

The water supply for Orroroo was previously sourced from groundwater from the Walloway Basin via two bores owned by SA Water. Through partnership with SA Water, Council has accepted transfer of the two SA Water bores to Council’s ownership. The bores have been equipped with upgraded electrical connectivity, pumps and ancillary equipment under the 2018/19 Drought Communities Project Funding. The two bores offer significant water security for Council operations and the Orroroo community. The water may also hold economic development value which will be explored in future.

Left: the now Council owned bores on Minburra Road, with Sa Water staff
Right: the pipeline excavation works on Petersburg Road