CCTV coming to a sewer near you

Power and Water is using the latest in close circuit television (CCTV) technology to investigate the state of sewer pipes in Darwin and Katherine to minimise flooding during the upcoming wet season.

Power and Water has more than 10,000km of sewer pipes buried up to 6m underground.

The CCTV alerts operators to identify blockages that need opening to enable maximum flow. During the wet this becomes critical as in addition to normal flows, the sewers are inundated by storm water during monsoonal downfalls.

Tree roots are the major cause of sewer pipes being clogged up.  Roots hanging in the sewer become a net for trapping grease and other materials such as plastic base and disposable nappies, none of which should ever been poured down the sink or flushed down the toilet.

While regular de scaling is done through access chambers, CCTV enables operators to pinpoint the exact position of any bigger problem without having to create a major excavation to locate and fix it. 

The CCTV equipment is always on the move, during the wet season in the Top End. Staff and equipment are utilised down the in Alice Springs for preventative maintenance of the sewer system.

Contrary to urban myth, Power and Water advise they have not filmed any crocs or ninja turtles living down there to date.

Photo/vision can be arranged on request

Contact:
Judie Brennan
Media Manager,
Corporate Communications
Power and Water Corporation
0401 117 599 or 8985 8481