WATER Corporation has completed a $38.7 million upgrade to a major water pipeline through Helena Valley, improving supply reliability for Perth’s eastern suburbs and communities connected to the Goldfields and Agricultural Water Supply Scheme (GAWSS).

Measuring 1.4m in diameter, the new main replaces infrastructure first installed in 1951.

Almost twice the size of the original, the upgrade delivers greater capacity to support growth and long-term demand across the network.

The pipeline forms a vital link between the Integrated Water Supply Scheme and the GAWSS, which provides drinking water to more than 100,000 homes, farms, mines and businesses from Mundaring to Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

Over the past year works have been undertaken from Talbot Road and Helena Valley Road, and now construction is finished the area is being reinstated.

The upgrade replaces the original 1950s pipework and strengthens the reliability of the system that supplies more than 24,000 hills properties, as well as communities further east along the Goldfields scheme.

Acting general manager Nathan Hardwick said the completed upgrade strengthens the performance of a critical part of the system.

“This project ensures this section of our network can continue to operate reliably and meet demand as communities grow,” he said.

“Replacing ageing pipes with modern, higher-capacity infrastructure helps us maintain consistent and dependable service for customers across the region.”

The project involved manufacturing new pipe sections in Kwinana using Pilbara iron ore and Cockburn cement.

Each 12m section weighs around eight tonnes and is designed to last more than 120 years.

Mr Hardwick said Water Corporation sincerely appreciated the community’s cooperation during the works.

“We recognise these works caused traffic impacts and delays at times, and we’re genuinely grateful for the patience shown by residents, local businesses and road users,” he said.

“Their understanding allowed us to complete this essential upgrade safely and efficiently.”

Major construction was completed in October, with final verge remediation now underway.

In 2025–26, more than $100m will be invested to renew ageing water and wastewater infrastructure across Perth and Peel, supporting continued reliability and resilience of essential services.