Innovative sewer main renewal program
Published on 09 July 2026
Innovative sewer main renewal program strengthens underground infrastructure
Wingecarribee Shire Council renews an average of three to four-and-a-half kilometres of poor condition sewer mains each year through its ongoing Sewer Main Renewal Program, helping maintain reliable wastewater services and reducing the risk of failures.
Using modern inspection technology and data-driven planning, Council identifies sewer mains that require renewal before they reach the end of their service life.
CCTV inspections assess the condition of sewer mains, while hydraulic modelling identifies where additional capacity may be needed to maintain service levels and support population growth and development. This proactive approach prioritises renewal works where they will deliver the greatest benefit, improving network reliability and helping prevent blockages, collapses and sewer overflows.
Over the past two years, Council has renewed more than 4.6 kilometres of sewer mains using trenchless technology, reducing the need for excavation and minimising disruption to the community.
One of the key trenchless techniques used is spiral-wound relining, which renews damaged sewer mains from the inside by installing a continuous interlocking PVC liner via existing manholes. This creates a new structural pipe within the existing sewer main without the need to dig up roads, footpaths or private property.
The process extends the life of the pipe by at least 50 years, while reducing construction impacts, protecting surrounding infrastructure and providing a cost-effective solution for renewing underground assets.
Where additional sewer capacity is required, Council uses another trenchless technique called “pipe bursting”. This method is often used to increase the size of pipes, providing more capacity in the network.
Council's Sewer Main Renewal Program is supporting a reliable wastewater network for the community now and into the future.
The 2025-2026 sewer main renewal program is almost complete, with over three and a half kilometres replaced in parts of Moss Vale and Bowral over the past six months. The next sewer main renewal project for the 2026-2027 program, will commence in August 2026.
Council will notify residents ahead of planned renewal and maintenance works in their area. For more information, contact Council's Customer Service team on 1300 680 888 or email mail@wsc.nsw.gov.au