Ryde to Pymble pipeline upgrade

Reinstating the Ryde to Pymble drinking water pipeline

We’re bringing the Ryde to Pymble drinking water pipeline back into service. We are upgrading this vital connection to the Wahroonga Reservoir. The project will boost the water distribution system's capacity, ensuring we can meet the growing demand for drinking water and support continued housing growth across Sydney’s North Shore.

This original pipeline was built in 1936 and ran from the Sydney Water Ryde Pump Station on Victoria Road, to Roland Avenue in Wahroonga. It served our customers well for over 70 years but was disconnected from the network in 2014 due to its age and condition.


About this project

To support Sydney’s growing communities, Sydney Water is planning a new drinking water pipeline to help enable development in key growth areas. We’re working closely with other government agencies to align with future demand and ensure we deliver the right services at the right time.

We’re reinstating the drinking water pipeline between Ryde Pumping Station and the Wahroonga dividing valve but, this project is about more than just infrastructure. It’s about clean, life-sustaining water. Our work will help ensure you continue to receive safe, reliable drinking water.

The project is currently in the development phase. We’ve completed extensive environmental and technical studies to identify the best alignment and construction approach, with a strong focus on minimising disruption to the community and protecting the surrounding environment.

The new Ryde to Pymble pipeline will generally follow the alignment of the existing main and will be extended to the Wahroonga Reservoir. We’re now working to determine the most beneficial route, taking into account construction feasibility, community feedback, and environmental considerations.

Later this year, we’ll publish a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) to explain how we’ll manage potential impacts during construction. Sydney Water is committed to delivering a resilient, future ready solution and keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.



Project timeline

Please note this is an estimated timeline.

Mid 2025: Investigations to confirm design
Late 2025: Delivery Partner contract awarded
Early 2026: Start Detailed Design
Early 2026: Site establishment
Early 2026: Construction commences
2028: Construction complete

Project updates

10 December 2025
Contract award

We are excited to announce that we have appointed the McConnell Dowell and Gamuda Joint Venture (MDGJV) to deliver the Ryde to Pymble drinking water pipeline. This partnership brings extensive experience in complex infrastructure projects and a collaborative approach to ensure sustainable outcomes for our community.

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21 August 2025
Talk to the team - September 2025

We're holding drop-in sessions about the upcoming pipeline alignment and future construction. Please come along to learn more.    

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05 February 2025
Nightwork investigations on Victoria Road and Hermitage Road

We are considering reinstating the Ryde to Pymble trunk main, a drinking water pipeline that runs from Ryde Pump Station on Victoria Road to the Wahroonga Reservoir site on Roland Avenue. As part of our planning and design work, we need to do some investigation work, which will involve potholing and road cutting.

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01 January 2025
Nightwork investigations – January 2025

We're doing investigation work to improve access to drinking water in the area.

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01 January 2025
Ground investigations – Abuklea Road and Anzac Avenue, January 2025

We're doing investigation work to improve access to drinking water in the area.

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01 October 2024
Soil sampling on Roland Avenue and Ada Avenue

We are considering reinstating the Ryde to Pymble trunk main, a drinking water pipeline that runs from Ryde Pump Station on Victoria Road to the Wahroonga Reservoir site on Roland Avenue.

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