Recycled water to flow through new pipeline to Deakin campus

CONSTRUCTION is under way on a new pipeline that will deliver 100 million litres of recycled water – the equivalent of 40 Olympic-sized swimming pools – annually to Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus.

This recycled water will be used to irrigate the campus’ sporting grounds and green spaces, including those within its elite sports precinct, and is expected to reduce the university’s reliance on drinking water by an estimated 60 per cent.

Geelong MP Christine Couzens visited Deakin University last week to announce work had begun on the $5.6 million project, which will see the region’s existing recycled water pipeline network extended by 6km from the Armstrong Creek growth area to the campus.

“This is a great example of sustainable water management that both benefits the community and alleviates demand on our precious drinking water,” she said.

The initiative is a joint project between Barwon Water and Deakin University, and has been supported by a $1 million investment from the Victorian government. Barwon Water has committed $3.3 million to the pipeline extension, with Deakin contributing $2.3 million.

Minister for Water Gayle Tierney said the project builds on the state government’s ongoing investment in infrastructure upgrades that maximise the use of recycled water across Victoria.

“By switching from drinking water to recycled water to keep its open spaces green, Deakin University is helping protect Geelong’s drinking water supplies.”

Since 2023, Greater Geelong has been experiencing extremely dry conditions, which would have triggered water restrictions, the state government says, if not for the implementation of other water saving measures and water smart initiatives, like the pipeline extension.

Construction on the pipeline is expected to wrap up in early 2026.