DESALINATION plants at Lorne and Apollo Bay could play a key role in securing the region’s water supply future according to a new management plan.<\/p>\n
Barwon Water has released its 2022 Urban Water Strategy \u2013 Water for Our Future, which outlines a 50-year outlook and plan for the Geelong, Surf Coast and Otways region to ensure safe and reliable water sources.<\/p>\n
A long-term goal of the Barwon Water strategy included establishing “small, local desalination [plants] connected to existing water infrastructure”, to ensure more water is available for the coastal systems.<\/p>\n
For Lorne, other ideas floated in the report included establishing a pipeline between Aireys Inlet and Lorne, new river diversions and increasing capacity of the main reservoir at Allen Dam.<\/p>\n
The report also hinted at improving off-stream storage and establishing supply from Otways reservoirs West Barwon or West Gellibrand for Apollo Bay. Short-term projects included further engagement with community members and groups, improving efficiency in existing water systems and working with local councils.<\/p>\n
The initiatives are aimed at tackling the dual threat of increased growth and climate change that is projected to add pressure to existing water supplies.<\/p>\n
Barwon Water chair Jo Plummer said the strategy was part of a broader push towards “manufactured water” in the coming decades, which also included exploring recycled and storm water use.<\/p>\n
“Like elsewhere, our region is being impacted significantly by climate change,” Ms Plummer’s foreword stated.<\/p>\n
“This means over the next 50 years we will gradually transition to climate resilient sources of water.”<\/p>\n
Overall, the report found that the region would require a further 53 gigalitres a year under worst-case modelling, and more to meet environmental and cultural values.<\/p>\n
Current water supplies would also come under stress by 2027 for Geelong, Bellarine and the Surf Coast without intervention, according to the worst-case scenario.<\/p>\n
Victorian Water Minister Harriet Shing approved the water strategy last month, following a two-year community engagement process form the regional water authority.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
DESALINATION plants at Lorne and Apollo Bay could play a key role in securing the region’s water supply future according to a new management plan. Barwon Water has released its 2022 Urban Water Strategy \u2013 Water for Our Future, which outlines a 50-year outlook and plan for the Geelong, Surf Coast and Otways region to […]<\/p>\n