Reports › Report to Ratepayers
Kaywanna Bore Water Board Chairman’s Annual Report - 22nd June 2022
The scheme continues to operate well with supply interruptions rarely more than a few electricity supply blackouts. These seldom last long enough to cause individual supply problems.
On 23rd September 2021, Gordon and I carried out minor maintenance on two double air valves (DAV’s) using the new mini-excavator (purchased October 2020). A leaking riser in the SE corner of ‘Denver’ was replaced (DAV 2877) and an overlength riser was replaced on ‘Jim Bruce’ (DAV 8066). Apparently, this riser on ‘Jim Bruce’ failed recently and was plugged off by Bill Davison.
In the first few days of January 2022, the Kalala booster station started to throw out the main circuit breaker to the Franklin E-drive pumps (installed 27/6/19). There were some water shortages at ‘Denver’ (DE1) with various re-settings by Chris Wright and David Woods.
Electrician, Laurie Cairns attended on Wednesday 5th January. One E-drive was found to be U/S. Laurie managed to set the other pump running continuously. Discussions with Andrew Williams (ACW Irrigation) recommended that the E-drives controllers be removed and replaced with an updated system (but using existing pumps). The estimated cost including an SMS alarm was about $7,500 (GST Excl).
On Friday 7th January 2022, Laurie Cairns and Andrew Williams removed the Kalala E-drive controllers and installed a new Kenrahn variable speed control panel system. This was surplus to another bore scheme. It has three outlets (but there are two pumps) so either pump can be connected to the third outlet in the event of one control circuit failing. It was noted that the alarm dialer was not working because the main underground line was damaged in the winter of 2020 (near ‘Bieune’) and will not be repaired. There are no land lines in this area.
On Thursday 13th January, Andrew Williams installed an SMS alarm system (with external antenna). This system works on a pre-paid Simcard which must be renewed annually at a cost of $300. It is currently in my name (paid by the scheme but it has to be an individual person) and will lapse if not renewed. A password is required and kept in the bore work diary. I have a reminder for renewal in my diary. Everything has worked well and SMS messages (off/on) come if there is the slightest power fluctuation. I have received 66 SMS massages since January, nearly all being momentary off/on alarms except a few blackouts.
There has been no other work done or immediately required this past year. The dialers at Boogara and the main bore are working. I periodically read meters and check the main bore. I have mowed the yard six times and sprayed edges. We have a new main distributor pump and a new submersible pump on hand, if required. Some more maintenance could be done if it stays dry (e.g., the delivery point at ‘Litchfield Downs’).
In December 2021, I digitized the battered little book I call the bore work diary covering the period from August 2004. This details all work done and includes meter readings. The ‘Word’ document runs to 38 pages. Being electronically formatted, the search feature can be used to find historical information with a couple of clicks. For example, a search for DAV (double air valve) 2877 will show any work done to this fitting in the past 18 years. All valves have a specific identifier and can be cross referenced in the ‘tender document’ to show the exact location. Similarly, a search for a person’s name will show any work they have done over that period. This applies to pumps and control boards as well. One of the things it reveals is the hundreds of days contributed by volunteers – the name, date and location.
On an annualized basis to 7th May 2022, the scheme has pumped 76 megalitres (67 ml last year) or 2.4 litres/second. The solar array produced 17,270 kw (last year 19,602 kw) with 5,102 kw exported to the grid (last year 5,849 kw). Total electricity consumed (from supplier) was 27,058 kw (last year 22,460kw). These figures are average considering more water pumped and more overcast weather. If not for the solar array, electricity supplied would be around 44% higher.
There was a reappointment of directors in November 2021 without the need for an election. Thank you for offering to do the job.
The mini-excavator has been hired for a number of days with revenue of $1,400 (and a bit more to come). The machine only has around 60 hours on it but is due to come in for its first service.
Our financial situation remains very sound. Volunteers have saved much expense over the years.
I extend my thanks to board members and volunteers for their continued contribution to the management and operations of the scheme.
Geoff Woods
Chairman
Kaywanna Bore Water Board
C/- Findex 24 Mclean Street GOONDIWINDI 4390