Yarram Pump Station protects public health and the environment

Sunday, March 28th, 2021

South Gippsland Water is pleased our significant investment in a new Yarram Pump Station on Lawler Street has paid off, helping us manage last week’s unexpected heavy rainfall.

We completed this $2.5 million project in September 2020. Over 18 months, we constructed brand new pumps, a pump well, increased wastewater storage, pumping capacity, a new pit to deal with foreign objects such as wet wipes, new electrical controls and a back-up generator.

South Gippsland Water Managing Director Philippe du Plessis said, these major works were needed to upgrade infrastructure that was almost 60 years old and a risk to public health and the environment.

“We are pleased that the investment has assisted the Yarram community’s environment and health during this latest downpour. Our new system can pump 85 litres of water per second, 20 percent more than our old pump. This was significant in dealing with the amount of greywater and stormwater we received. The station took around five hours to ‘pump down’, dealing with the influx and returning operations to normal,” he said.

“Our new system now includes emergency storage capacity for some 290 kL of wastewater, in addition to the increased pumping capacity. The storage was crucial in avoiding spills during the rain event.

“We’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Yarram residents and businesses for their patience and assisting us to reduce greywater entering the system, by delaying their use of dishwashers and washing machines.”

The $2.5 million investment is part of South Gippsland Water’s ongoing commitment to its customers to provide a safe, reliable and efficient wastewater service.

For further information, please visit www.sgwater.com.au or contact South Gippsland Water’s friendly Customer Service Team on 1300 851 636.