Dunore to Hydepark (D2H)

Water from Dunore WTW is currently delivered to Belfast along a 48-inch-diameter pre-stressed concrete pipeline known as the Dunore Pumping Main.

This important transmission system transfers between 130 and 150 million litres of water a day and represents one of two essential large diameter trunk mains in Northern Ireland – the other is the Mourne Conduit which was replaced in 1999 as part of the Aquarius scheme.

The need for a new pipeline
Commissioned in 1971, the existing Dunore Pumping Main is reaching the end of its useful life. Its condition has deteriorated and over the last five years it has suffered numerous bursts. The consequences of pipe bursts are wide ranging. Not only are they very expensive to repair, but they also have the potential to affect consumer supply and can lead to disruption on roads and land as Northern Ireland Water technicians strive to fix the problems.

Benefits of the scheme
The new Dunore to Hydepark Trunk Main will safeguard one of Northern Ireland’s most vital supply systems thereby guaranteeing the provision of pure wholesome water for many generations to come. The new pipeline will offer Northern Ireland Water increased flexibility to serve a greater number of customers during prolonged periods of dry weather. When finished, the new pipeline will convey around 150 million litres of water every day to over one quarter of
Northern Ireland’s population.

Progress
The scheme was completed in December 2006, providing a more secure supply of drinking water to 400,000 customers in Antrim and the greater Belfast area. 

The new pressurised watermain, which transfers treated water between Dunore Water Treatment Works in Antrim and Hydepark Service Reservoir in Mallusk, is now fully operational. 

The joint venture contractors, Murphy Lagan, took less than eight months to complete the huge scheme which saw almost 1400 large diameter pipes (1200mm) cross through 120 fields, 22 roads, four rivers, a railway track, three playing fields and one golf course as it completed its 18km journey.

The newly-laid steel pipeline replaces the old 48” concrete main which was installed by the Belfast Water Commissioners in the late 1960s. Due to be decommissioned and abandoned as part of the D2H contract, the previous system had become increasingly vulnerable over the past few years and susceptible to bursts and leaks. 

The final stage of the project will be carrying out work on the reinstatement of land in the Spring. Once the weather improves, work through agricultural grounds will gain momentum and all hedgerows which were removed during the course of the scheme will be replaced.

With the capacity to deliver up to 180 million litres of water a day, the new Dunore to Hydepark Trunk Main represents one of Northern Ireland Water’s strategic trunk mains in Northern Ireland.

 

 


This investment provides an improved drinking water supply to 400,000 customers in Antrim and Greater Belfast.