State turns off $80m Geelong-Melbourne water pipeline

Authorities will turn off Geelong’s $80 million water pipeline from Melbourne less than six months after turning it on for the first time.
The Melbourne supply was now unnecessary after Geelong begin tapping Moorabool system reservoirs again on Monday, Barwon Water said.
The switch follows recent heavy rains that have lifted the Barwon and Moorabool systems to 75 and 81 per cent capacity respectively.
Barwon Water said the pipeline would remain “an insurance policy against future drought”.
The Brumby Labor State Government announced in 2008 it would build the pipeline so Geelong could take water from Melbourne after Wonthaggi’s $4 billion desalination plant was operational.
The opposition warned at the time that the pipeline would increase Geelong water bills to cover the higher cost of desalination even when it was not needed.
The pipeline was finished in 2012 and first turned on in April this year, with Water Minister Lisa Neville citing dry conditions.
“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,” she said in March.
Barwon Water said the switch to the Moorabool system for Geelong’s northern suburbs was “normal practice at this time of year”.
“During the warmer months, we balance the surface water storages across our network,” said Barwon Water’s Paul Northey.
“This means some areas rely more on water from catchments in the Moorabool system, north of Geelong, rather than catchments in the Otways, to the west and, this year, the Melbourne to Geelong pipeline.
“Barwon Water has access to multiple water sources, providing greater security of supply.
“Switching between water sources may occur at any time to optimise use and maintain supplies.”
Mr Northey warned that customers might notice “a change in the taste of their water” but it was “100 per cent safe” and compliant with official guidelines.