Davistown and St Huberts Island – Vacuum Sewer Refurbishment

Davistown and St Huberts Island – Vacuum Sewer Refurbishment

Keeping the community informed

Central Coast Council is preparing to refurbish the Vacuum Sewer System at Davistown and St Huberts Island to improve the reliability and resilience of the system. 

The refurbishment works will see key parts replaced in the existing sewer pots together with the installation of a ‘pillar’ next to the pot. The installation of the pillar will allow the critical components to be located above flood water levels, ensuring that the sewer system remains effective during major weather events. 

IMAGE 1: Image of residential sewer pot (current set up)
IMAGE 1: Image of residential sewer pot (current set up)

 

IMAGE 2: Image of pillar located adjacent to the residential sewer pot (proposed set up)
IMAGE 2: Image of pillar located adjacent to the residential sewer pot (proposed set up)

 
Refurbishment works will commence in March 2022 and continue through to the end of June 2022 (weather permitting). 

The majority of the work will be contained within the existing sewer pots located in front yards across the suburbs. Typically there is a pot shared between two houses, meaning that not every property will require works to be completed inside their boundary. Aside from seeing tradesmen on site completing the refurbishments, these works will cause no disruption to sewer services or the community more broadly. For properties on St Huberts Island, the new pillar will replace the existing steel pillar.

You can: 

  • Find out more by reading the frequently asked questions available below
  • Contact us using the who’s listening widget should you wish to discuss the refurbishments further

This vacuum sewer refurbishment is being funded using Councils Water and Sewer budget and is part of Councils ongoing commitment to maintaining sewer infrastructure across the Central Coast.
 

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Who's listening

Who's listening
Name
Chris Urquhart, Section Manager Maintenance Services
Name
Phil Thuaux, Mechanical Engineer

Why do Davistown and St Huberts Island have vacuum sewer systems?

Vacuum sewer systems are effective sewer solutions for flat landscapes such as those at Davistown and St Huberts Island. The systems use air pressure to transport wastewater from collection pits to a central collection tank. The below ground network is relatively shallow compared to traditional gravity systems. If a traditional system were to be constructed in these suburbs, the pipework and collection pits would be very deep and difficult to construct in waterlogged soils. Typically two houses share a vacuum pot, which is normally located near the front boundary of one of these properties.   

Why is Council refurbishing the vacuum sewer systems at Davistown and St Huberts Island?

The current vacuum sewer systems at Davistown and St Huberts Island were installed in the early 1990s and have been identified for maintenance and an upgrade.

In recent years the system has experienced an increase in reactive maintenance to fix individual issues. Sections of the system can also go offline when inundated with water during following weather events. 

Council will be undertaking the works as part of a stagged refurbishment program. Priority will be given to areas which have required more reactive maintenance.  
 

What will the refurbishment works involve?

The upgrade to your vacuum sewer system works is designed to improve its reliability and resilience. 

Proposed refurbishment works include: 

  • replacing key parts in the existing sewer pots
  • installing a “pillar” next to the pot to improve its operation and maintainability. The pillars will allow critical system components to be relocated out of the sewer pot and above ground. Housing these components within the pillar will ensure they are above flood water levels and not damaged during major weather events. The pillars will also ensure Council has 24/7 access for maintenance in most weather conditions.

The majority of the work will be contained within the existing sewer pots located in front yards across the suburbs. Typically there is a pot shared between two houses, meaning that not every property will require works to be completed inside their boundary. Aside from seeing tradesmen on site completing the refurbishments, these works will cause no disruption to sewer services or the community more broadly. 

See images below of an existing sewer pot and an example of a pillar. Pillars will be installed next to the existing pot and are approximately the same height of a regular letterbox. 

Image 1 – residential sewer pot
Image 1 – residential sewer pot

  

Image 2 – example of pillar adjacent to pot 
Image 2 – example of pillar adjacent to pot 

What is the time the timeframe for the works?

These important works will begin in March 2022 and continue through until the end of June 2022. The majority of the work will be contained within the existing sewer pots out in your front yard. Aside from spotting some tradies out on the street, you should not notice any disruption to your service. If you do please call council on 1300 463 954. 

If your pot is located in your driveway will the pillar need to be located in the driveway?

No. If your pot is located in your driveway, we will locate the pillar adjacent to the driveway and as close as possible to the pot.

How is the project being funded?

This project is funded through your water and sewer rates – there is no additional charge or levy for the works.

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