Council improves Hat Head sewage treatment plant with Gorman-Rupp wastewater pumps

Kempsey Shire Council has a vital role in managing the region’s wastewater systems. These systems are essential for ensuring that sewage is properly collected, treated and disposed of in a way that is environmentally sustainable and socially responsible. The council is also responsible for overseeing on-site septic systems, which are critical to protecting public health and preserving the natural surroundings. In areas like Kempsey Shire, where communities are spread across diverse landscapes, effective wastewater management is not just a technical challenge but a core service to the community.

In line with this responsibility, the council has committed itself to maintaining high operational standards across its wastewater infrastructure. A prime example of this commitment is the recent upgrade to the Hat Head wastewater treatment plant. The facility, which serves the small coastal town of Hat Head, has undergone substantial improvements aimed at boosting both safety and operational efficiency.

One of the council’s primary objectives is to ensure that all sewerage assets are maintained to the highest standards. This includes routinely identifying and addressing any issues that fall outside set benchmarks, thereby avoiding compliance breaches and environmental impacts. The overarching aim is to deliver a robust and sustainable wastewater management system that continues to meet the growing needs of the local population.

The Solution

A key part of the Hat Head wastewater treatment plant upgrade was the installation of Gorman-Rupp self-priming pumps. These pumps are renowned throughout Australia for their exceptional reliability and performance, particularly in municipal and industrial wastewater applications. They are widely used for handling raw sewage, grit and other demanding materials that are often found in wastewater systems.

For Hat Head, the decision to use Gorman-Rupp Ultra V Series pumps was straightforward. The pumps’ proven durability and ability to perform in harsh operating environments made them an obvious choice. Their robust construction ensures that they can consistently handle the challenging conditions typically encountered in sewage treatment.

Daniel Micallef, representing Kempsey Shire Council, commented on the performance of the pumps since their installation: “Since we installed them over five years ago, we haven’t had to think about them — they’ve been brilliant.”

He added, “These pumps handle up to 100 metres of head pressure and can manage distances of over five kilometres without any issues, making them the reliable backbone of Hat Head’s sewerage system.”

Darren Caldwell, Regional Manager at Hydro Innovations — the Australian distributor of Gorman-Rupp pumps — also visited the Hat Head facility and praised the long-term performance of the equipment. He highlighted the pumps’ enduring reliability and overall efficiency, which have been instrumental in ensuring smooth and trouble-free operation at the site.

One of the most valued features of the Ultra V pumps is their self-priming capability. Unlike submersible pumps, which require complex and often hazardous access arrangements for maintenance, these pumps can be installed at ground level. This eliminates the need for confined space entry, simplifying routine maintenance procedures such as oil changes and clearance adjustments. These tasks can be conducted safely and easily, significantly reducing the time and resources required.

The Results

The self-priming design of the Gorman-Rupp pumps has brought notable safety benefits to the Hat Head plant. Maintenance staff no longer need to open wet well lids during servicing, which significantly lowers the risk of accidents and falls. Ground-level access to the pumps not only improves workplace safety but also makes maintenance more efficient.

Another major benefit has been the reduction in downtime. Because routine maintenance can be conducted without specialist equipment or lengthy shutdowns, the treatment plant can maintain consistent performance with minimal interruptions. This is particularly crucial for smaller communities like Hat Head, where even short service disruptions can have outsized effects.

The pumps are also engineered to handle wastewater that contains high levels of solids with minimal wear and tear. This extends the lifespan of the equipment and reduces the frequency of costly repairs or replacements. For councils operating within constrained budgets, the long-term cost savings and operational stability are significant advantages.

In addition, the wide range of pump models available from Gorman-Rupp allows systems to be tailored to specific flow and head requirements. This flexibility is important for councils like Kempsey Shire, which may need to adapt infrastructure over time as communities grow or environmental regulations evolve.

The Hat Head upgrade stands as an example of how a carefully considered equipment choice can lead to measurable improvements in safety, reliability and cost efficiency. By selecting pumps that align with both operational and strategic goals, Kempsey Shire Council has taken a proactive step towards future-proofing its wastewater management systems.

While the improvements have primarily benefited the local area, the outcomes also reinforce the council’s broader commitment to maintaining infrastructure that protects public health and the environment. The success at Hat Head highlights how investing in durable, high-performance equipment pays off — not only through reduced maintenance and enhanced safety but through greater community confidence in public infrastructure.

For more information about Gorman-Rupp’s self-priming pumps or to explore how Hydro Innovations can help with your water and wastewater needs, contact 02 9898 1800 or visit www.hydroinnovations.com.au. Hydro Innovations remains dedicated to delivering reliable solutions that help facilities operate smoothly and efficiently for the long term.