Birregurra has secured a quality long-term water supply, and is now connected to Colac’s water system.
Barwon Water has completed and is operating a $10.1 million pipeline, which delivers high-quality water from Colac to the town of Birregurra.
The 19km underground pipeline, new water treatment facility and storage tank replace Birregurra’s ageing local plant, open supply channel and storage basins.
Barwon Water’s 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 can 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 before being treated at the local plant.
Removing the need for a dedicated treatment plant in Birregurra will reduce electricity use and cut operational costs.
Significant water savings are also expected, as less water will evaporate from the open storage basins and channels, particularly during summer.
The Colac water supply system is sourced from the West Gellibrand and Olangolah reservoirs in the Otways.
It is connected via the pipeline from Forrest Street in Colac to Bowden Street, Birregurra.
The pipeline follows road reserves and farmland, and above-ground infrastructure such as a storage tank, disinfection facility, and pressure-reducing valves is installed along the route.
The switch now means Birregurra customers are receiving fluoridated water.
Fluoride is added to Colac’s water supply under the direction of the Victorian Government’s Department of Health.
Barwon Water is planning to decommission the assets at the former Cape Otway Road Treatment Plant and Bowden Street Tank sites in Birregurra. No decision has been made regarding future uses of these sites.
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