THE massive upgrade of the Bryn Estyn Water Treatment Plant at Plenty will secure quality drinking water for southern Tasmania for the next 50 years.

With the upgrade almost complete, TasWater is promoting what is its largest ever capital project. Full commissioning is expected in the 2023-24, but TasWater’s General Manager Project Delivery Tony Willmott said all major structures and buildings on site were finished, with the project team now focusing on the completion of the mechanical and electrical packages across the site.

“In the early phase of the current works an incredible 11,456 cubic metres of concrete was poured, 2800 tonnes of reinforcing steel placed, and over 93,000 cubic meters of soil was excavated,” Mr Willmott said. “The $243.9 million upgrade project improves operational efficiency by increasing capacity and modernising infrastructure, which enables the reliable supply of 160 million litres of water per day to our customers.

“The upgrade is also future-focused, with the ability to cater for increased drinking. It will secure quality drinking water to the Greater Hobart area for the next 50 years. water demand as the population grows.

“That represents 200,000 or more people in Southern Tasmania in the local government areas managed by the City of Hobart, Glenorchy City Council, Brighton Council, Derwent Valley Council, Kingborough Council, Sorell Council and Southern Midlands Council. “The upgrade forms part of our $1.1 billion capital works program of high-quality projects over the next four years.”

The Bryn Estyn Water Treatment Plant, north, was built in 1962 with capacity augmentations completed in 1972 and 1992. It is Greater Hobart’s primary source of drinking water, providing, on average, 60 per cent of a resident’s water supply every year.