Pakistan's K-IV Water Supply Project PL1 section completes hydrostatic test

The Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Project (K-IV), a flagship project vital to local livelihoods, is being led by the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), with support from China Harbour Engineering Co (CHEC) and CCCC Second Harbor Engineering Co.

The PL1 contract section, the project's core water conveyance line, runs 64.2 kilometers and is built with two parallel 2.1-meter-diameter spiral-welded steel pipes, with no prior reference experience from similar projects available.

Hydrostatic testing is a critical step in verifying pipeline construction quality. The longest single test section reached 25 km, consuming 80,000 cubic meters of water – far more demanding than conventional testing. The team optimized the testing plan in advance and laid out detailed procedures for sectional testing, water conveyance scheduling, pressure control and pressure stabilization observation. No leakage occurred throughout the tests, while pipeline pressure-bearing performance and all technical indicators met requirements.

Upon completion, the project will supply Karachi with an additional 260 million gallons of water per day, easing the city's chronic water shortage for millions of residents and upgrading municipal water infrastructure.

Pakistan's K-IV Water Supply Project PL1 section completes its hydrostatic test. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]