CASE STUDIES

Global Water partnered with Onpoint Plumbing and Civil to upgrade a residential care facility in Port Augusta’s sewer pump station. 

The tailored solution met SA Water’s compliance requirements without replacing existing pipework, while also providing 10,000L of emergency storage below a 3m invert. This project highlights how efficient and cost-effective upgrades can meet regulatory standards without disrupting existing infrastructure.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Global Water partnered with Onpoint Plumbing and Civil, who provide plumbing expertise and comprehensive solutions, to upgrade the sewer pump station at a residential care facility in Port Augusta. The solution involved an Envirolift pump station, which worked with existing pipework, met self-cleansing velocity requirements, and provided 10,000 L of emergency storage below the 3.1 m invert. After discovering the pipework was DN65 instead of DN80, Grundfos SEG grinder pumps were selected, ensuring a compliant flow rate and reliable performance.

THE CHALLENGE

The project involved upgrading an existing sewer pump station, with the client keen to reuse the already installed rising main to avoid pipework replacement costs. Initial calculations were based on DN80 pipework, but SA Water required a minimum self-cleansing velocity of 0.75 m/s, which would not be met at 3 L/sec through a DN80 pipe.

In sewer systems, flow rates need to be fast enough to keep solids suspended. For SA Water, this means maintaining a minimum velocity of 0.75 m/s through the pipe. At 3 L/sec, a DN80 pipe wouldn’t meet this requirement, increasing the risk of solids settling and blockages therefore making it non-compliant. Replacing the pipe with a smaller diameter to increase velocity would have been expensive, which the client wanted to avoid.

On top of this, the design had to accommodate 10,000 L of emergency storage below the 3.1 m deep inlet level, adding complexity to the system layout within a tight site.

THE SOLUTION

Upon further investigation it was discovered that the existing pipework was DN65, not DN80 as initially assumed. This was a crucial finding, as it allowed for a more accurate pump selection. The chosen Grundfos SEG grinder pumps were able to deliver a flow rate of 3.2 L/sec, satisfying SA Water’s self-cleansing velocity requirements and ensuring reliable operation of the rising main. This meant the existing pipework could be utilised, avoiding the significant cost of replacement.

To address the site's 3.1 m deep inlet level and the requirement for 10,000 L of emergency storage, an Envirolift concrete pump station was selected for its customisable design. Its flexibility allowed the chamber to be tailored to meet both depth and capacity needs. Additionally, the compact DN50 valve arrangement was small enough to be installed within the pump chamber itself, eliminating the need for a separate valve pit and simplifying the overall installation.

THE RESULTS

The final solution provided a 6 m deep Envirolift with 10,000 L of emergency storage below the invert of inlet level while delivering a flow rate that met SA Water’s self-cleansing velocity requirements.

With the help of Onpoint Plumbing and Civil, Global Water’s solution-driven approach ensured a cost-effective upgrade that met SA Water regulations, avoided unnecessary pipe replacements, and delivered a long-term solution for the Port Augusta Old Folks Home.

It was a straightforward experience working with Global Water. They were clear about the design and provided support when we needed to adjust based on site conditions.
Onpoint Plumbing and Civil, South Australia

Need support with your next project?
 Our experienced team is here to design tailored solutions to meet your wastewater challenges. Contact us today to learn more.