A Water has begun a major upgrade of water storage infrastructure at the Swan Reach Town water treatment plant, with construction of new elevated tanks set to secure a reliable drinking water supply for around 700 customers.

The $12.4 million project involves replacing four 45-kilolitre fibre-reinforced polymer tanks which have reached the end of their operational life after nearly 5 decades of service.

In their place, a new 180-kilolitre elevated storage comprising two 90-kilolitre elevated steel tanks will be built near the existing water tanks along with supporting structures, pipework, inlet and outlet arrangements, and other associated infrastructure.

SA Water’s General Manager of Sustainable Infrastructure Peter Seltsikas said the upgrade is a vital investment in the future of the region’s drinking water supply.

“These tanks have supported the Swan Reach township for almost 50 years and replacing them is essential to maintaining a reliable and high-quality water supply,” Peter said.

“Before being stored in the tanks, water is sourced from the River Murray and is pumped to the local treatment plant, which produces around 200,000 litres of water per day. It’s then transferred to the tanks and supplied through a series of pipelines to our customers.

“The new tanks will provide more modern and durable assets for the Swan Reach township, strengthening the resilience of the water network and ensuring the delivery of safe, clean drinking water for decades to come.

“As with any infrastructure project, there may be some short interruptions to water supply, but we will keep the community informed ahead of when that happens. Building the new facility near the existing water tanks will help to reduce water outage times. This will also ensure we maintain access to the existing water treatment plant and the safety of our people.”

Crews have completed the concrete pours for the tank bases. Above-ground steel works for the tanks, along with the elevated steel structures that will support them, commenced this week.

Work will take place between 4am and 5pm weekdays, including some weekends. Residents and motorists may notice activity along nearby Stott Highway and Anzac Avenue as construction progresses.

“Some noise or dust may occur whilst our crews work, particularly with the use of heavy machinery and equipment. We are mindful of surrounding residents and will make efforts to reduce any noise and light disturbances where possible,” Peter said.

The project is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2027. Following commissioning and connection of the new facility, the existing tanks will be decommissioned and safely demolished.

For more information on the project, visit our Water Talks site.