Project Overview
In July 2024, a suspected water leak was identified in Kangaroo Ground, Victoria, following noticeable waterlogging in the area. The suspected source was a large-diameter water main (DN2100 MSEL), raising concerns for the asset owner.
A leak detection investigation was initiated to either confirm the presence and location of a leak or rule out the DN2100 main as the source. This project presented a valuable challenge for the newly established Saltire Melbourne Office and its team.
Client:Melbourne Water
Scope:Leak Detection Survey of large DN2100 MSEL Water Main
Key Elements
The DN2100 main was installed within an existing tunnel significantly below ground level, which made conventional surface-based leak detection methods over the 1 kilometer stretch impractical. As there were no existing access points into the main, Saltire collaborated with Melbourne Water to create a new entry point without isolating the water supply. With excavation support from the client, the Saltire team successfully created an offtake for survey equipment by performing a hot tap on the live pipeline. This innovative approach enabled the deployment of the Flowrider live pipeline inspection system, allowing for a comprehensive in-pipe leakage assessment without disrupting the water supply.
Significant Achievements and Benefits
Saltire’s team successfully established a new offtake for the survey equipment using hot tapping techniques, enabling a live internal assessment of over 1 kilometer of pipeline. No leaks were detected during the inspection, allowing Melbourne Water to confidently rule out the DN2100 MSEL main as the source of the waterlogging. The project was completed efficiently, with minimal impact to the surrounding area and no disruption to the ongoing water supply.
The Saltire Advantage
Eliminate Shutdowns & Outages
Ensuring the continued operation and supply of water to stakeholders.
Reduce Construction Footprint
Reduce excavation work and traffic management with location-specific isolation solutions.
Safer Equipment
Safe, modern and efficient equipment engineered to comply with international and Australian standards.
Reduce Environmental Impact
Eliminate loss of treated water on the network by redirecting supply during maintenance work.
Save Money
Save an average of 40% of installation and repair work by eliminating 100% of the costs related to system shutdown.
Service
Saltire provides reliable and emergency services you can count on and customised for your needs.
Innovate
Our dedicated focus on the water services sector means we have our finger on the pulse in the latest technologies and industry developments. We think outside the box to develop the best solution for each product.
Deliver
Our commitment to safety and professionalism means our focus is on projects being delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of safety, quality, and environmental management.
Excel
Our mission is to exceed client expectations in terms of safety, presentation, engagement, and delivery. Our performance is monitored through both formal and informal feedback as part of our continuous improvement initiatives.
Our Capabilities
At Saltire, we pride ourselves on delivering intelligent, tailored solutions for water infrastructure. Our expertise spans from major project consultancy in civil construction to rapid emergency repair works, ensuring reliable and efficient water networks at every scale.
Wastewater Infrastructure
We deliver wastewater infrastructure that’s built to last—prioritising durability, performance and client needs across every project.
Design and Construct
End-to-end design and construct solutions delivering smarter, sustainable water infrastructure—engineered for efficiency, durability and performance.
Project Management
From concept to completion, we manage projects with precision, collaboration, and a focus on delivering results.
Civil Construction
Saltire delivers end-to-end civil construction services with a flexible, client-first approach—ensuring quality outcomes across roads, drainage, earthworks, and concrete works.
Dry Vac Excavation
Saltire’s dry vac excavation services for safe, non-destructive underground asset exposure, ensuring precision and environmental responsibility.
Pipeline Condition Assessment
Saltire offers expert asset condition assessment services for pressurised pipeline inspections, leak detection and mains tracing.
Valve & Hydrant Replacements
Saltire’s efficient valve and hydrant replacement services, ensuring minimal disruption, future access, and reliable infrastructure solutions.
Emergency Repair Works
Swift and efficient emergency repair services ensure pipeline integrity and minimise downtime, safeguarding communities and resources.
Industry Leading Technology
We harness a unique mix of technologies and solutions to ensure your system continuity during repairs. This includes hot tapping, flow stopping and s-gate valves.
Live Water Mains Inspection
Advanced live inspection technology detects issues in pressurised pipelines—maintaining network integrity without isolations, shutdowns, or service disruption.
Hot Tapping
Saltire Infrastructure utilises high-pressure rated Hot Tapping Equipment for the fast and safe installation of new branch connections and bypass mains, with the current capability to install DN25-DN400 offtakes.
Flow Stopping
Line Stopping allows works to be undertaken on water mains without interruption to customer supply. Deploying a stopper and bypass system, the rig set-up allows for sections of pipelines to be made dry allowing safe repair or replacement of the existing network.
S-Gate Valve
Saltire Infrastructure’s S-gate Valve System is a WSAA-approved live insertion valve system, designed to be used on live under pressure pipelines, providing mechanical isolation on the network to operator’s requirements and a future asset on the pipeline network to be used time and time again.
Our clients rely on us to innovate, deliver and excel.
Our team possesses a strong understanding of client requirements and we focus on building long term professional relationships and exceeding expectations within safety, quality, and environment. Being a Western Australian owned and operated company, Saltire supports local communities by prioritising partnerships with WA suppliers and Contractors.
"I wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation for the excellent work your team did during the hot-tapping operations in Allanooka. The quality of work and professionalism exhibited by everyone on the team was truly impressive. We were particularly impressed with the care and precision with which all equipment was operated."
P. Lee
Senior Project Manager - Rob Carr"The whole job was exceptionally organised and the teamwork between the crews was seamless. That is the level of preparedness and safety we strive for on all work, especially nightshift. The feedback from the Operations Manager, Communications Advisor, and local customers have all been full of praise for the work."
J. Collier
Project Leader - Water Corporation“Saltire successfully delivered works for the Armadale Line Upgrade Alliance (ALUA), including self-performed Water Corporation relocations for the Beckenham, Cannington, and Wharf Street packages. Saltire demonstrated strong performance, meeting the standards expected on a Tier 1 project.
Despite site complexities and programme challenges, Saltire maintained a strong commitment to safety and delivered the works in alignment with the ALUA schedule.
Saltire’s proactive approach to stakeholder engagement and problem-solving was a key factor in the project’s success. Their flexibility in adapting to evolving site conditions and ability to coordinate efficiently with other contractors contributed significantly to minimising disruptions and ensuring the seamless delivery of critical project milestones.”
S. Doogan
Delivery Manager - Armadale Line Upgrade Alliance“Being unable to carry out our traditional in-house inspections under isolation due to no contingency for supplying over 30,000 homes, we had to look for an alternative solution.
Previously working with Saltire on other projects using other equipment, we were confident the job would be delivered successfully. Working in an environmentally sensitive area and in a complex excavation, the team delivered beyond expectations. Utmost professionalism from scope to delivery”
Specialist, Inspection & Condition Assessment, Engineering Department
Water Corporation WA
