Residents of the Apollo Bay region (VIC) will now enjoy a secure water supply and an end to summer water restrictions with the completion of a new $22 million water storage basin.
Member for Polwarth Terry Mulder toured the new 250-million litre storage basin and said it was now ready to be filled by winter rains.
“This new storage basin and transfer system will secure the water supply of Apollo Bay, Marengo and Skenes Creek until 2055,” Mr Mulder said.
“The Apollo Bay region is a magnificent spot along the Great Ocean Road. It’s home to thousands of residents and is a popular spot for tourists. With significant population growth predicted over the coming years, the need for a secure water supply was critical.
“This new storage basin is great news for the Apollo Bay community, with the increased storage capacity meaning residents will have a reliable supply year-round.
“Importantly, it also means the end of summer water restrictions, which had been necessary to cope with the influx of thousands of holidaymakers.”
As well as constructing a new storage basin, Barwon Water has installed a new pump station to harvest water from the Barham River and another pump station and new pipeline to transfer supplies to the treatment plant at Marengo.
The Apollo Bay water treatment plant is also being upgraded as part of the water storage project, with new technology introduced to boost water quality and an increase to treatment capacity.
Mr Mulder said the need for additional drinking water capacity was identified in Barwon Water’s Water Resources Development Plan. More than 26 augmentation options were considered during investigations spanning a number of years.
A community open day at the storage basin will be held later this year.
