Barwon Water’s $10.1 million pipeline project has hit a key milestone, with Birregurra now connected to Colac’s water system.
The 19km underground pipeline is now complete, including a new water-treatment facility and storage tank to replace Birregurra’s ageing local plant, open supply channel and storage basins.
Barwon Water General Manager of Planning, Delivery, and Environment, Seamus Butcher, said the initiative had multiple benefits for customers and the environment.
“Tapping into Colac’s supply improves the quality of water reaching Birregurra homes, will lead to significant water savings, and helps keep prices affordable,” Mr Butcher said.
“The Colac system is able to comfortably meet the demand in Birregurra, with scope to cater for future growth and will be an important pillar in bushfire resilience and water security for the town.”
Birregurra’s water was previously sourced from the open Wurdee Boluc and Birregurra channels (supplied by the West Barwon Reservoir) and stored in open basins prior to being treated at the local plant.
Removing the need for a dedicated treatment plant in Birregurra reduces electricity use and will cut operational costs.
Significant water savings are also expected, as less water will evaporate from the open storage basins and channels, particularly during summer.
Barwon Water said the Colac water supply system is sourced from the West Gellibrand and Olangolah reservoirs in the Otways.
It is connected via the pipeline that runs from Forrest Street in Colac to Bowden Street, Birregurra.
The pipeline follows road reserves and farmland, with above-ground infrastructure such as a storage tank, disinfection facility and pressure-reducing valves installed along the route.
The switch means Birregurra customers are now receiving fluoridated water.
Fluoride is added to Colac’s water supply under the direction of the Victorian Government’s Department of Health.
Barwon Water said it is planning to decommission the assets at the former Cape Otway Road Treatment Plant and Bowden Street Tank sites in Birregurra, with no decision made in relation to future uses for these sites.
