SA Water upgrades at Wadmore Park / Pulyonna Wirra
What do the works involve?
SA Water are undertaking works to update infrastructure in Wadmore Park / Pulyonna Wirra with the installation of a cathodic protection (CP) system. CP is a technology used to protect buried or immersed metal surfaces from corrosion. These works aim to extend the life of critical buried pipelines.
When are the works being undertaken?
The majority of works are expected to take place between Monday 12 January, and the end of February 2026, with another 2 days of work to be completed in March 2026.
Construction hours when works take place will be between 7 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday, with no night works scheduled. The start and duration of these works are dependent on weather conditions and any technical constraints SA Water may encounter.
Why is the infrastructure located in Wadmore Park / Pulyonna Wirra?
SA Water advised that they are very limited in the location of upgraded CP infrastructure. The location is selected to provide the appropriate protection – too close to the existing water mains infrastructure and the pipes will corrode faster, too far away from the existing water mains infrastructure and the pipes won’t be appropriately protected.
CP infrastructure is commonly installed in parks and reserves, as these areas are the least likely to be subdivided and allow the infrastructure to remain in place for its full estimated operational life of approximately 20 years.
Is the park being subdivided?
In response to community concerns regarding the possibility of the land being subdivided for housing, Council would like to confirm that it has no intention to develop housing at any part of Wadmore Park / Pulyonna Wirra. Due to the site's significant biodiversity value, Council has dedicated Wadmore Park / Pulyonna Wirra as a conservation site in its Community Land Management Plan, and is committed to maintaining the Park for this purpose.
The pits installed by SA Water are anode bed pits, not water meter covers.
Will there be any damage to the park?
It was brought to Council's attention in early February that some construction methods were not consistent with what had been agreed with SA Water, disturbing a number of vegetation areas. Staff notified SA Water of this issue.
As a resolution, SA Water agreed to ensure its contractor followed the agreed access path, and a remediation plan will be developed in conjunction with the Landcare Group and Council.