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Iconic Kalimna wine glass water storage tower to be dismantled having finished serving its purpose

Specialised demolition contractors are about to commence work to dismantle the disused 21-metre-high water tower overlooking Kalimna.

By news@gippsland - 6th July 2022 - Back to News

The East Gippsland Water-owned steel structure, capable of holding up to 900,000 litres of water, was installed on the hill at Kalimna in 1987 to supply water to nearby residents. It was removed from service in 2016 because subsequent growth in demand and housing development around the base of the tower meant it could no longer meet minimum pressure requirements. Specialised pressure pumps are now used instead to deliver a good water pressure to nearby customers, reliably and cost effectively.

The 21-metre-high Kalimna water tower that is now a redundant asset and discussed to be dismantled

Redundant asset maintenance

The tower is a redundant asset that nonetheless requires continuing maintenance to ensure it remains safe. There is ultimately an ongoing cost to East Gippsland Water customers to do this.

East Gippsland Water's Executive Manager Strategy & Assets, Lara Caplygin, said, "The steel tower is currently a strong, safe structure, but serves no useful purpose. It's also now in very close proximity to encroaching residential development. It therefore makes sense to remove the structure before it begins to deteriorate and potentially becomes a safety hazard to adjacent residents, as it continues to age over time."

"The structure will be dismantled in sections, with the steel salvaged for recycling. We have been in regular contact with nearby residents directly impacted by the works and we would like to thank them for their patience and cooperation." Ms Caplygin said. The dismantling work is expected to be completed by the end of August this year. Anyone with enquiries about the project should contact East Gippsland Water on 1800 671 841.

Pictures from East Gippsland Water website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com