Pipe to open

Geelong’s big dry has prompted Barwon Water to open the Melbourne to Geelong pipeline next month to boost supplies.
Water Minister Lisa Neville said extreme dry conditions across Barwon Water’s service region had seen storages drop to levels not experienced “since the end of the millennium drought”.
Storages currently sit at 38.4 per cent. This time last year they were at 64 per cent.
“Geelong has a 59km pipeline – built by the previous Labor Government – linking the city to Melbourne’s water supply providing Geelong with greater water security,” Ms Neville said.
“By turning on the pipeline, this means water restrictions are now a last resort and Geelong can still maintain its liveability even as drying conditions continue.
“Barwon Water has notified Melbourne Water of its intention to access up to six gigalitres of water from the Thompson/Yarra catchment over the coming year.
“There will be no additional cost to Barwon Water customers as a result of switching on the pipeline or the desalination plant.
“The current pricing structure is in place until June 2018 and Barwon Water prices have continued to decline 1.6 per cent a year, on average, excluding inflation.
“Later this year, Melbourne’s supply will be boosted by desalinated water as the government has placed an order of 50 gigalitres.
“The water grid also provides an opportunity for neighbouring Western Water communities to access Geelong’s allocation in the Melbourne system if required.”
Ms Neville said Barwon Water was preparing to bring another back-up source, the Barwon Downs borefield, online as well.
“This resource has provided Geelong and surrounding towns with supplementary water during periods of drought since the early 1980s. It was last operated in 2010.
Tapping into these back-up sources is part of a balanced approach to managing the region’s water resources and providing greater water security.”
State Opposition MPs have accused Labor of failing to implement water restrictions in a bid to draw down supplies so the plant had to be used, justifying its development under the Bracks/Brumby government.