Specialised demolition contractors are about to start work to dismantle the disused 21-metre-high water tower overlooking Kalimna.
The East Gippsland Water-owned steel structure, capable of holding up to 900,000 litres of water, was installed on the hill at Kalimna in 1987 to supply water to nearby residents. It was removed from service in 2016 because subsequent growth in demand and housing development around the base of the tower meant it could no longer meet minimum pressure requirements. Specialised pressure pumps are now used instead to deliver a good water pressure to nearby customers, reliably and cost effectively.
The tower is a redundant asset that requires continuing maintenance to ensure it remains safe. There is ultimately an ongoing cost to East Gippsland Water customers to do this. 
“The steel tower is currently a strong, safe structure, but serves no useful purpose,” East Gippsland Water’s executive manager strategy and assets, Lara Caplygin, said.

IMAGE: The Kalimna water tower will soon be dismantled. (PS)