Other projects
Murrumbidgee River Pumping Station
The Murrumbidgee River (at Cotter) Pumping Station project is being delivered by the team established for ACTEW Corporation's Water Security - Major Projects, a suite of infrastructure initiatives that are now underway to increase and diversify sources of drinking water for the ACT.
What is the project
As part of the drought contingency plan, the Murrumbidgee River Pumping Station project is designed to increase its capacity as well as the reliability of the Cotter Pumping Station.
The new works will provide ACTEW with the capacity to pump up to 100ML/day of water from the Murrumbidgee River to the Cotter Pumping Station, although the actual amount of water extracted will depend on specific factors such as:
- the flow in the river
- the water quality at the time
- the status of other water storages e.g. amount of water in the Cotter Dam
- the final configuration of the Enlarged Cotter Dam and associated pumping works are completed.
The Murrumbidgee River Pumping Station project involves a series of connected civil engineering works which include:
- installation of four new pumps into a new low level pump housing, located on the bank of the Murrumbidgee River
- reconfiguring the existing two pumps to be able to pump water to the base of the Enlarged Cotter Dam for release as environmental flow
- pipe work to connect the pumps to a large tank located above the existing Cotter Pumping Station and then from the tank to the Pumping Station
- a semi permanent rock weir constructed immediately downstream of the pumping station will raise the water level at the pumping station during low flow conditions and protect the pumps from floating debris.
ACTEW and ActewAGL have formed an alliance with GHD, Abigroup and John Holland to design and construct the new Murrumbidgee Pumping Station.
Why is the project needed?
The project will increase the capacity of the Murrumbidgee Pumping Station, giving greater access to this significant water source. It will also improve the reliability of the Cotter Pumping Station, reducing the risk of damage to the pumps in the existing facility.
The new infrastructure will enable ACTEW to harvest water within its existing license requirements by taking advantage of those times when the river is carrying high flows.
How long will the project take?
Work on the Murrumbidgee River Pumping Station project is estimated to take around nine months and is due for completion in December 2009.
What effect will the works have on the environment?
ACTEW values the natural environment and is committed to its protection. Water extracted from the Murrumbidgee River will be done so in accordance with the environmental flow guidelines to ensure that there is water in the river.
Trees removed to install underground pipes will be replaced during overall site re-vegetation and restoration.
What effect will the works have on the public?
The project will create temporary disruptions to traffic movement along Cotter Road while pipes are laid under the road. Traffic diversions may be in place for up to a month, however temporary traffic lights will be installed to manage any traffic interruptions.
Re-vegetation and site restoration will soften the visual impact of new structures such as the tank and the housing of the Murrumbidgee pumping station.