GWMWater completed maintenance works on Lake Bellfield outlet infrastructure in the week of 4 to 10 September, successfully utilising reverse-pumping on the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline whilst the lake was taken offline to undertake the work.
Lake Bellfield is the main supply source for the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline. Maintenance works were undertaken to inspect the internal outlet pipe and replace the bypass valve.
Testing was conducted on all pumps prior to the shutdown and all storages in the system ‘topped up’ to ensure a smooth transition during the maintenance works.
The reverse-pumping mode was an integral feature of the design of the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline.
Reverse-pumping is where sections of the pipeline can be isolated from the main water source. The pumps then draw from local storages to supply customers. This results in a reverse water flow path in a section of the system.
In short, the feature allows the system to be operated in smaller isolated sections to manage water quality and maintenance activities when required, ensuring interruptions to customers are kept to a minimum. This is the first time since we completed the pipeline where we had the whole system operating in reverse.
“Lake Bellfield is a key water source for our region and is very good quality by virtue of the pristine Grampians catchment,” said GWMWater’s Managing Director, Mark Williams. “We wanted to avoid using water from Taylors Lake whilst the works were undertaken as this water is of lesser quality than Lake Bellfield water”.
“We are committed to optimising the effectiveness and reliability of our infrastructure to meet the needs of our region, and these maintenance works on Lake Bellfield form part of that commitment.”
“We congratulate all of those involved for the successful completion of these works, ensuring minimal impact to our customers and visitors to Lake Bellfield.”
