Reservoir set for major upgrades

A MAJOR upgrade of White Swan Reservoir, which is part of Ballarat’s water supply system, will soon begin.

The project is set to commence this summer with two years of works designed to create longevity, increase the reservoir’s capacity by 15 per cent and ensure it meets modern safety standards.

The reservoir has been operating about 15 per cent below full capacity.

“The White Swan Reservoir has served our community for over 70 years, and this upgrade ensures it will continue to do so safely and reliably into the future,” Central Highlands Water managing director Jeff Haydon said.

“This is a significant investment in building the resilience of our water infrastructure by safeguarding supply, increasing operational capacity of the reservoir, enhancing safety, and preserving a key landmark that connects us to our local history.

“This work reinforces our priority outcome as a trusted and reliable provider to in delivering resilient infrastructure and supporting growth in our region, aligning to the More Than Water 2040 Strategy.”

Key works will include building a buttress for the subsidiary dam to increase stability, the installation of filter, drainage systems and improved surveillance, improved access to road and tracks around the embankment, and reconstruction of the white swan on the embankment.

The reservoir was built between 1949 and 1952 and it is one of the region’s important water storage assets.

While upgrades are occurring, the reservoir will remain operational at a reduced water level.