Latest news blog
Season's greetings from Barwon Water
The management and staff at Barwon Water would like to wish all our customers a safe and happy festive season.
Please note our opening hours during the holiday period.
Our customer service centres (Geelong, South Geelong, Colac and Lorne) and call centre will be closed on:
- Monday 24 December 2012 (Christmas Eve): Closed
- Tuesday 25 December 2012 (Christmas Day): Closed
- Wednesday 26 December 2012 (Boxing Day): Closed
- Tuesday 1 January 2013 (New Year's Day): Closed
For emergencies and faults, such a burst water main, we are still available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Water Security Outlook released
Barwon Water has released the 2012 Water Security Outlook — an annual supplement to the long-term Water Supply Demand Strategy.
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PDF 1.6 MB |
Greater Geelong
The outlook paints a positive picture for the greater Geelong region.
Taking into account increased population growth projection, and allowing for the most extreme climate scenario, our water supplies are secure for the next 35 years.
New water sources, including the Anglesea borefield, Melbourne to Geelong Pipeline and new recycled water plants ensure we have the capability to meet demand now and into the future.
Rainfall over the past 12 months has meant drought response initiatives, such as the Barwon Downs Borefield and water restrictions, would not be required for several years.
Colac and surrounding towns
The Water Supply Outlook also details revised forecasts for the Colac Otway region, where the growth rate has been revised from 0.43% up to 1.0%.
In September 2012, Barwon Water announced plans to upgrade Colac's supply system within the next five years to meet growth, climate variability and potential risks to current supply infrastructure. Six options currently shortlisted for consideration, with an extensive community consultation program now underway. A decision on the best option is expected by June 2013.
Coastal towns
The coastal townships of Aireys Inlet and Lorne have separate water supply systems, and are in good shape ahead of summer.
Work is underway on a new 250 million litre water storage in Apollo Bay and, once complete, will spell the end to summer water restrictions.
New water charges from 1 January 2013
A 3% price adjustment to cover the cost of constructing the Melbourne to Geelong pipeline will apply to water volume and water service charges only. Sewerage charges will not change.
The new charges are effective from 1 January 2013.
For a typical residential customer using 165 kilolitres of water a year, the price rise equates to an additional 28 cents a week or $14.56 a year. Bills will vary depending on usage.
The independent Essential Services Commission approved the increase in June 2012, but stipulated it could only be applied once the pipeline was ready to supply water.
Fees and charges: residential customers
Fees and charges: business customers
We would like to assure our customers future prices will be kept to a minimum.
Increases over the past 5 years have funded crucial water security projects in the Geelong region. We are aware of cost-of-living pressures on the community, and have committed to minimising future prices, with zero increases (excluding inflation) proposed for the next 5 years.
The 57-kilometre Melbourne to Geelong pipeline can now supply water, but it will not be required for several years because of other water security initiatives.
Bannockburn upgrade complete
A major upgrade of Bannockburn's water reclamation plant has been completed.
The $4.3 million project includes new treatment and storage lagoons and a pumping station at the Stephens Road site.
The new lagoons provide additional storage for 100 million litres of Class C recycled water suitable for irrigating sporting grounds, recreational facilities and certain food crops.
New lagoons can store 100 million litres of recycled water.
The plant, built in the late 1990s, was originally designed for a population of 3000. With a significant growth forecast for Bannockburn, the updated infrastructure will cater for future development.
The facility supplies recycled water to the nearby Bannockburn Golf Club. The upgrade will create opportunities for potential new recycled water customers.
The work was part of a $12.7 million program of works to improve local water and sewerage services. Nearby projects include replacing a pumping station (due for completion in January 2013) and a new water storage tank (scheduled to begin early next year), both on Milton Road.
This project was delivered by the Barwon Water Alliance.
Work beginning on Apollo Bay storage
We are upgrading the water supply to Apollo Bay, Marengo and Skenes Creek.
A new 250 million litre water storage will meet forecast growth and spell the end of summer water restrictions in these towns.
In addition to the new basin, the project includes replacing the existing Barham River pumping station, building a new transfer pumping station, and laying the connecting pipelines.
The storage is expected to be operational in 2014 and will meet forecast growth until 2055.
Drop in to our new project office, 93 Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay.
Construction update
Site set-up has begun and environmental controls, including silt fences and groundwater and dust management, are being established.
Site sheds and amenities are being installed on Barham River Road.
We expect to have earthworks and the basin lining completed before winter 2013.
Changed traffic conditions ahead
We are asking residents to please be mindful of changed traffic conditions around Barham River Road.
There will be a number of very large trucks delivering materials and equipment to the site during the next month.
Visit our project office
A project office has been established at 93 Great Ocean Road in Apollo Bay (Great Ocean Raod Real Estate, corner of Great Ocean Road and Moore Street).
Residents are welcome to drop in for more information about the work.
This project is being delivered by the Barwon Water Alliance.
Lorne reservoir upgraded
Lorne's Allen Reservoir has been given a $900,000 upgrade.
The outlet tower — that collects water from the reservoir and transfers it to the treatment plant — has been replaced, and the tower can now be operated remotely.
The upgrade allows operators to choose at what depth the water is taken from the reservoir, which has already resulted in higher quality intake water.
Lorne's water quality has improved thanks to a $900,000 upgrade to the Allen Reservoir.
The 222 million litre reservoir, built in 1958, is Lorne's sole water source of drinking water. This upgrade will improve security and services to Lorne and reflects advances in water supply operations. The project demonstrates Barwon Water's commitment to deliver quality services efficiently.
This project was delivered by the Barwon Water Alliance.
Black Rock Water Reclamation Plant open day - Sunday 25 November
The Black Rock Water Reclamation Plant — the region's largest sewage treatment and water recycling facility — is once again opening its doors to the public.
Find out how we treat up to 50 million litres of residential and industrial sewage every day of the year.
See construction progress on the new Class A recycled water plant, which will soon supply high quality recycled water to new residential developments in Armstrong Creek and Torquay North.
The Black Rock environmental precinct will soon be home to a new a new recycled water plant.
Learn more about the innovative role our newly completed biosolids drying plant plays in sewage treatment.
Join us for a guided tour of the facility and learn about our exciting plans for the future.
| When: |
11 am — 3 pm Sunday 25 November 2012 |
| Where: |
Black Rock Water Reclamation Plant Black Rock Road, Connewarre (Google map) |
Open doors for mural tours
We are opening our doors to the public this weekend to showcase a unique mural — part of the Open House Geelong program.
In 1977, the (then) Geelong Water and Sewerage Trust commissioned renowned artist and illustrator Robert Ingpen to create a mural for its new offices in Ryrie Street.
The historic mural painted by local artist Robert Ingpen is housed in the Barwon Water boardroom.
The mural, which depicts water cycle management in the Geelong region, is 2.8 metres tall and almost 7 metres long.
Once the pride of the Ryrie Street customer service centre, the mural now adorns the Barwon Water boardroom.
| When: |
Saturday 10 November 2012 10.00 am – 3.00 pm Tours run every 30 minutes |
| Where: |
Barwon Water 61–67 Ryrie Street Geelong VIC 3220 |
| Cost: | Free |
Barwon Water is one of 12 buildings open to the public for free on this weekend for Open House Geelong. The day allows the public to explore great contemporary, historic and sustainable buildings and spaces they would not normally be able to access.
Open House Geelong on Facebook
Open House Geelong on Pinterest
Colac community reference group formed
The inaugural Colac community reference group has been formed and will hold its first meeting this month.
Barwon Water appointed 11 local community representatives to the group who will assist in selecting a new water source for Colac.
The members of the Colac community reference group are:
- Geoff Iles — CEO, Colac Area Health (Chair)
- Helen Paatsch — Community member
- Bruce Lawson — General Manager, Colac Herald
- Glenn McVilly — Director Spence Construction
- Tony Baldwin — Chairman Colac Area Health, Manton Group
- Henry Bongers — Director BDH Construction
- Anthony McDonald — Charles Stewart & Co. Real Estate
- Hans Fankhanel — Otway Ranges Environment Network
- Jan Greig — Upper Barwon Landcare Network
- Lachlan Sutherland — Dairy farmer
- Doug Chant — Dairy farmer, Victorian Farmers Federation
Community representatives will be joined by Barwon Water staff, including:
- Justin Franklin — Water Resources Coordinator
- Gwyn Hatton — Water Resources Planning Officer
- Donna Gibson — Community Engagement Officer
- Darren Milverton — Coordinator Otway Customer Service Centres
Stage 2 water restrictions to apply in Apollo Bay, Skenes Creek and Marengo
Stage 2 water restrictions will be reintroduced in the coastal townships of Apollo Bay, Skenes Creek and Marengo this weekend ahead of summer.
Restrictions will apply from Sunday 4 November 2012 to Saturday 27 April 2013.
Although local water storages are currently above 95%, restrictions will ensure the limited capacity of the Marengo basin copes with the summer tourist influx.
Under Stage 2 restrictions, lawn watering is prohibited. Watering systems are permitted between 6—8 am and 6—8 pm on alternate days.
Work on a new 250 million litre water storage is due to start this month. The upgraded system is expected to be operational in 2014, and will spell the end of summer restrictions.
We would like to thank all our customers in Apollo Bay, Skenes Creek and Marengo for their continued cooperation.
Stage 2 water restrictions – information for residents
Stage 2 water restrictions – information for businesses