Ellendale water supply upgraded

The new Jones River weir and water intake supplying Ellendale.

AN upgrade of TasWater’s weir on the Jones River is providing improved water security for the Ellendale community.

The original 1950s weir was showing its age, with frequent blockages from river debris, and the working environment at the site did not meet current safety standards.

The upgrade improves the screening of water before it enters the local water treatment plant, sifting out unwanted material like forest foliage and tree litter washed into the creek. The construction work involved building a new weir and the installation of new self-cleaning screens.  New valves and safety handrails have also been installed to allow safe and effective maintenance of the facility.

The location of the weir and the working environment on the river bank posed a challenge for the construction crew. Access to the site is limited with no roadway suitable for vehicles, making the project labour intensive.

All materials were brought in along a narrow pedestrian track which had to be widened to provide just enough room for a mini-excavator.

The weir upgrade is just one of the hundreds of projects TasWater undertakes every year to improve infrastructure across Tasmania. TasWater says that with the completion of work, Ellendale is well placed to receive a reliable, clean and safe drinking water supply for years to come.