Water Corporation to replace century old water mains in Fremantle CBD

Water Corporation will soon start stage two of work to replace century old water mains in the heart of Fremantle to help futureproof water supply in the area for decades to come. 

The essential work will start on 19 May and will be carried out in short stages to ensure each individual street will only be impacted for a maximum of six weeks.

Work will start on High Street and will then progress to Essex Street, Essex Lane, Leake and Cantonment Street, Marine Terrace from Cliff to Essex streets, Nairn Street, Norfolk Street and finishing on Marine Terrace from Essex to Suffolk streets.

Water Corporation Assets Planning and Delivery General Manager Evan Hambleton said the majority of work would be completed by November 2020 to minimise impacts on local businesses, road users and the community before summer.

“While we understand there will be some impact, it is important this essential work goes ahead as planned to ensure we can reliably deliver water to the area for decades to come,’ he said.

“Some of these water mains have been supplying water to homes and businesses in the area for more than a century and, like anything of that age, it’s imperative we replace them to ensure they continue to do their job.

“Water Corporation will continue to work closely with the City of Fremantle, local businesses, members of the dedicated working group and the wider Fremantle community to ensure impacts of the work are minimised as much as possible.

“Some businesses are still open and we encourage people to continue to support their local traders while being mindful of the latest restrictions and social distancing requirements.”

The oldest water main to be replaced runs along Collie Street, Essex Street, Marine Terrace and Norfolk Street, which was constructed in the 1890s and is now around 130 years old.

Water Corporation has been consulting local businesses since 2019 on this project and has support processes in place if a business experiences any financial loss as a result of the work.

To have your say and for more information on the project, including a map of where work will be carried out, visit https://yoursay.watercorporation.com.au/pipes-for-fremantle

Since 2016, Water Corporation’s Pipes for Perth program has replaced more than 160 kilometres of water mains across Perth.