Recycled water infrastructure installed at Barwon Park Mansion

RECYCLED water infrastructure has been installed and commissioned to irrigate farmland surrounding Winchelsea’s Barwon Park Mansion.

Barwon Water and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) have come together to preserve the past using recycled water.

Barwon Water general manager of planning, delivery and Environment Seamus Butcher said the new 1.8km underground pipeline now supplies the park with recycled water to irrigate farmland.

“This project will help Barwon Water achieve our strategy 2030 aim to reuse 100 per cent of the recycled water produced at our water reclamation plants.

“Partnering with the National Trust has delivered a win-win for both our organisations through the beneficial allocation of 80 million litres of recycled water for agricultural use at the Barwon Park property.

“We’re very appreciative of the National Trust’s vision and cooperation in enabling this project to happen.”

Mr Butcher said the project demonstrated their commitment to putting recycled water to use and preserving drinking water.

Construction for the project started in the middle of August last year and has just been completed.

The pipeline runs from the Winchelsea Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) to Barwon Park, Barwon Water has also supplied and installed a new pivot irrigator at Barwon Park.

National Trust of Australia (Victoria) interim chief executive officer Philip Martins said their vision at the National Trust for preserving the past gave them an understanding of what they need to do to improve the future.

“The National Trust is a strong advocate for conservation and sustainability in our built and natural environments and this recycled water project is a creative and innovative planning and design solution to save water at the Barwon Park Mansion while keeping our grounds green year-round.”

Barwon Park farmer Ewan Peel said the land surrounding the mansion primarily grows crop fodder and all proceeds from the sale of the crops will contribute to maintaining the mansion and grounds.