More than 690,000 litres of drinking water can now be stored in newly-constructed tanks at Taplan, with SA Water recently completing a $10 million project to improve water reliability for the Riverland town.

Located on Taplan Road, the new storage tanks have five times the capacity compared to the previous single tank which could store up to 136,000 litres of water.

This increased capacity provides a buffer during drier conditions and improves the ability to provide water to the community during times of peak demand.

SA Water’s Acting General Manager of Sustainable Infrastructure Peter Seltsikas said the important project has ensured a continued and secure supply of drinking water for the community now and into the future.

“There are around 700 homes and businesses in the Taplan and surrounding area which are supplied by these tanks for their water needs, and we’re excited to see this new infrastructure up and running which has future-proofed the local water network for many years to come,” Peter said.

“The elevated steel tank, which sits 15.5 metres high atop a support structure, can store 136,000 litres of water and is supplied by an above ground tank with a capacity of 560,000 litres.

“Water is pumped into the above ground tank before being transferred into the elevated tank as needed, with this elevation harnessing gravity to provide reliable pressure into the network, enabling water to flow through an underground pipeline and into our customers’ properties for everyday use.

“The old structure, which was built around 40 years ago, was decommissioned and demolished after reaching the end of its useful life.

“Throughout construction of the new tanks, we maintained an uninterrupted water supply to the local area using temporary bypass tanks and pumps.

“This has been a significant project for Taplan’s water network, with approximately 60 people involved in the work, and we’re grateful for the positive engagement and support from neighbouring landholders.

“We look forward to delivering lasting benefits through this new infrastructure.

“This project is one of the many investments we are making in our regional networks across South Australia through our four-year, $3.3 billion capital program to deliver reliable services for our customers into the future.”