City of Darwin

Irrigation Pump Sheds | Design, Supply & Install

Overview

Think Water Darwin was selected by the City of Darwin through a competitive tender process to design, supply, and install upgraded irrigation pump sheds at four ovals across the city. The project aimed to reduce the strain on the city’s main water supply by taking the ovals’ irrigation systems off direct mains pressure. This was achieved by implementing innovative variable speed drive (VSD) pump solutions and buffer tanks.

The Problem

The existing irrigation systems at the four ovals drew water directly from the city’s main water line, which also supplied nearby residents. This direct draw created pressure fluctuations in the water main, potentially impacting the water supply to homes and businesses. The City of Darwin sought a solution that would ensure consistent water pressure for residents while improving the efficiency and sustainability of the ovals’ irrigation systems.

The Approach

Think Water Darwin’s expert team reviewed the City of Darwin’s requirements and proposed a comprehensive solution to address the city’s irrigation challenges. This involved several key elements:

Buffer Tanks: Large Terracorp tanks were installed at each oval to store water and act as a buffer between the main water line and the irrigation systems. This ensured consistent water pressure in the main line for residents, preventing disruptions to their water supply.

VSD Pump Systems: Dual VSD pump systems were installed to provide precise pressure control and increase efficiency. These pumps offer a range of benefits, including:
- Power Savings: VSD pumps adapt to the system’s requirements, using only the power needed, which leads to significant energy savings and reduced operating costs.
- Even Pressure: They ensure consistent and even water pressure across each irrigation station, optimising irrigation performance and plant health.
- Reduced Wear and Tear: The gentle ramp-up and ramp-down feature of the VSD pumps minimises stress on the irrigation pipework, extending its lifespan and reducing maintenance needs.
- Mini Pump Stations: Two smaller pump stations equipped with a smaller VSD pumps were also installed to address similar pressure issues in other areas of the ovals, ensuring comprehensive water pressure management across the sites.

The Outcome

The project delivered multiple benefits for the City of Darwin. Residents would experience more reliable water pressure due to the buffer tanks and VSD pump systems. The VSD pumps significantly reduced energy consumption, leading to estimated power savings of up to 10% and lower operating costs for the city. Overall, the upgraded system provides a more sustainable irrigation solution with reduced environmental impact.

Think Water Darwin completed the project within four weeks of the initial request for quote, demonstrating expertise and commitment to efficient service delivery. By collaborating closely with trusted suppliers like Pentair, Terracorp, and Netafim, Think Water Darwin successfully delivered a solution that addressed the City of Darwin’s immediate concerns and provided long-term benefits for the community. This project reinforces Think Water Darwin’s reputation as a leading provider of reliable and effective water management solutions in the Northern Territory.

City of Darwin

Overview

The Problem

The Approach

The Outcome

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