Liquid assets: project brings water benefits to Pentland Hills

IMPROVED water pressure and quality are among the positives for Pentland Hills residents following completion of a major water infrastructure project.

The residents have more reliable, higher quality drinking water following completion of the works near Bacchus Marsh, replacing old infrastructure that had been in place since the 1970s.

Greater Western Water (GWW) has constructed a new water tank, pump station and 600 metres of underground pipes, including a section running beneath the Western Freeway, to better service the area.

Located on Mortons Road, the new system replaces ageing tanks and a pump station located on two nearby private properties that had been servicing the community since 1972.

GWW general manager asset planning and delivery Ian Burton said the project reflects GWW’s commitment to delivering high-quality drinking water for communities across Melbourne’s greater western region.

“In addition to improving the reliability and quality of drinking water supply for nearby residents, the new tank will allow easier access for routine water testing and maintenance activities,” he said.

Burton thanked local contractors, residents and landowners for their collaboration throughout the project, including during the relocation of water meters.

Project manager with Greater Western Water Javier Osma on site at the new pump station and water tank at Pentland Hills. Photo: Evie Lamb.

“We’d like to thank Pentland Hills residents in particular for their cooperation during the changeover process, as well as the landowners who hosted the previous water tanks, which provided an essential service to the area for more than 50 years.”

Local landholder Hazel Forth said old infrastructure that was in her paddocks for decades has already been removed.

“I think this will also make it much easier for their (GWW) workers,” Forth said.

GWW is a Victorian Government water corporation providing water and recycled water supply, sewerage and trade waste services to households and settlements.

It operate sacross 3,700 square kms stretching from Melbourne’s central business district and inner suburbs to Little River in the south, Myrniong in the west and Lancefield in the north.