River Murray Pipeline

With its relatively low rainfall and long, dry summers, South Australia depends heavily on water flowing down the River Murray to meet its requirements.

In an average year, the River Murray supplies about 40% of the State's urban (Adelaide) water needs. In dry years, this can increase to as much as 90%. The pipeline is designed to deliver 163,100 megalitres of water per year and cost $23 million at the time of construction.

This second pipeline, the Murray Bridge-Onkaparinga Pipeline was constructed from 1968 to 1973 to bring extra water into the greater Adelaide area. The route chosen begins about 3 kilometres north of Murray Bridge and travels to the Onkaparinga River, west of Hahndorf.

The pipeline discharges River Murray water directly into the natural Onkaparinga River channel which carries it 10 kilometres downstream to Mount Bold Reservoir. Of the pipeline's 48.6 kilometre length, 23 kilometres is below ground.

I took this photo of the above ground section not far from the Murray Bridge pumping station.

Bigger pipes.

Being such a dull day, and with everything looking brown and dull, it seemed like a good time for my first ever sepia blip.