The pipe jacking on the right line of Nantong's Ligang Water Plant intake project exceeded 2,686 meters, surpassing the previous domestic record of the same length set by Suzhou's Yangcheng Lake water diversion project and approaching the global record of 3,210 m for large-diameter steel pipe jacking.

The pipe jack on the right line of Nantong's Ligang Water Plant intake project. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Located in Tongzhou district, the Ligang Water Plant is designed with a total capacity of 1.2 million cubic meters per day. Upon completion, it will be the largest water treatment plant in Nantong.

The plant will serve several areas, including northern Chongchuan district, Haimen district, northern Tongzhou district, Qidong, Rudong, and Tongzhou Bay, while also providing backup supply to Rugao, Hai'an, and Dongtai.

The pipe jacking section is a vital part of the intake project. It uses double-line steel pipes, each with a designed length of 3,210 m, which make it the longest single run large diameter steel pipe jack ever attempted.

Nantong's water supply currently relies on Langshan, Chonghai, and Honggang water plants, with a combined capacity of 2 million cu m per day. Once it begins operating, the Ligang plant will work alongside these three facilities, easing pressure on the Langshan plant to supply water to the northern part of the city's main urban area and creating a more efficient water supply network.