Major upgrade for Geelong’s water supply underway

MAJOR upgrade works have begun on the Melbourne to Geelong pipeline (MGP) to increase its capacity and expand its reach, with the aim of improving water security across the region.

Completed in 2012, the MGP is the 59km underground pipe that connects Geelong’s storage basins in Lovely Banks with Melbourne’s water supply network, acting as a vital back-up water source for Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast during both extremely dry conditions and as demand for water continues to grow.

Barwon Water acting managing director David Snadden said the pipeline upgrade will ensure the organisation can continue to provide high quality, affordable and secure services to its customers.

“While storage levels are currently satisfactory, we continue to make important investments in securing our water future through upgrading the Melbourne to Geelong pipeline and increasing recycled water for non-drinking water purposes, while focusing on water efficiency and conservation measures,” he said.

 

 

Barwon Water accessed 2,500 million litres of water via the MGP in 2023-24 in response to an 11 per cent increase in demand in the region over the same time frame, which was driven by population growth and below average rainfall.

The upgrades slated for the pipeline this year will increase the region’s access by 6,000 million litres each year, up to 22,000 million litres.

Construction is scheduled to take place at multiple sites across the region and will include the augmentation of the existing pump station in Lovely Banks, pipeline upgrades at Pettavel Basins in Waurn Ponds, as well as in Little River, and the installation of control valves at Montpellier Basins in Highton.

A new pump station will also be built on Ballan Road in Wyndham Vale and improvements to the pipeline will be made in Tarneit.

These works are expected to be completed in late 2025, in time for summer.

For more information, visit Barwon Water’s website.