Dungowan Pipeline: Vinidex pipes strengthen water security

Vinidex has been delivering quality polyethylene pipe solutions to regional water infrastructure projects for over 60 years.

The Dungowan Pipeline upgrade was a critical step in drought-proofing Tamworth’s water supply, with Vinidex providing high-quality pipes and expert collaboration to ensure a smooth, efficient installation that supports the community’s ongoing water needs.

Project overview

The Dungowan Pipeline project involved constructing a new 21-kilometre pipeline connecting the Calala Water Treatment Plant in Tamworth to the Dungowan Showgrounds, replacing a 70-year-old corroded steel pipeline that was losing 2.2 megalitres of water daily. The upgraded pipeline can deliver 22 megalitres of untreated water each day, enhancing water supply reliability for Tamworth residents, local businesses, and agriculture across the Peel Valley. Made from HDPE, the new pipeline is fully welded, will not corrode, and is leak-resistant, ensuring long-term durability and reliable water delivery.

The pipeline also links to Chaffey Dam, a crucial water source during previous dry periods. With ongoing predictions of drier conditions, this project has been delivered proactively to drought-proof the region’s water infrastructure, ensuring a more reliable, sustainable, and efficient supply.

Vinidex’s unique solution

Vinidex supplied a customised pipeline solution, leveraging over 60 years of expertise in manufacturing high-quality Australian polyethylene (PE) pipes for critical rural and regional water infrastructure.

Stretching approximately 21 kilometres across 23 landholders’ properties, the Dungowan pipeline is primarily constructed of HDPE in sizes DN710, DN800 and DN900, with pressure ratings ranging from PN8 to PN16. A small quantity of DN600 DICL was also supplied. The pipeline was designed to optimise HDPE diameter and pressure ratings to meet flow and pressure requirements along the route, and it incorporated higher-strength PE112 resin. This allowed a smaller wall thickness to be used, reducing the amount of resin required by 10% without compromising performance. These design efficiencies helped lower overall costs and streamline installation.

Vinidex worked closely with the contractor MPK to ensure the pipes met the demanding specifications of the project and the range of products required. Our comprehensive quality control measures prior to delivery ensured that pipeline welding and installation on-site proceeded smoothly, reducing potential delays and simplifying construction. As Simon Glassbrook, Construction Superintendent at MPK, confirmed, “The welding of the pipeline [went] very well… Quality checks that are done on the pipeline by Vinidex before coming to site make our lives a lot easier.”

Customer-focused partnership

At Vinidex, our focus extends beyond delivering high-quality pipe systems to building strong, collaborative relationships with our customers. We ensure every project benefits from tailored solutions, technical expertise, and expert advice aligned with each project’s unique needs.

The Dungowan Pipeline project is a great example of this partnership approach. Vinidex worked closely with the contractor throughout the project to deliver a customised pipeline solution that met the demanding specifications. As Simon Glassbrook, Construction Superintendent at MPK, noted, “The supply from Vinidex has been impeccable… Vinidex have been able to work with us and the supply has been above what we expected,” reflecting the strong partnership and dependable service throughout the project.

Further information

You can find more details about PE Pressure Pipe on the product page.