Hunter Water is taking a surgical approach to patching up damaged water mains. 

The NSW water authority Hunter Water is using innovative European technology to restore water mains throughout the region. 

It is working on four projects renewing damaged or degraded pipes with an internal lining; essentially creating a ‘pipe within a pipe’.

The structural liner, ideal in sensitive and difficult-to-access areas, allows the water provider to extend the life of the mains while minimising disruption to the community.

“Once we determine the need to restore a pipe, lining technology is a less invasive means of breathing new life into our pipes and it minimises the disruption for the community,” says Hunter Water Managing Director, Darren Cleary. 

“We can line a specific section of pipe using access pits, instead of digging a trench all the way along the length of the pipe.

“In some ways, it could be likened to keyhole surgery,” said Mr Cleary.

The technology has been used to complete several projects throughout Lake Macquarie.

In Teralba, a water main under William Street, between the railway bridge and Short Street, is now back online.

In Cardiff, crews have completed improvements to a water main under Macquarie Road, near the busy Munibung Road intersection.

Work to remediate and reline a water main that runs adjacent to the railway line between Mary Street and Lake Road, Argenton, has also recently been completed while a water main relining will soon start at Glendale.