Greater Geelong’s drinking water capacity has been boosted after a major upgrade to the Melbourne to Geelong Pipeline was completed.
Minister for Water Gayle Tierney announced the completion of the $40 million project, expanding the pipeline’s capacity from 16 billion litres to 22 billion litres every year – meaning up to 60 per cent of Geelong’s peak demand can be met through the pipeline alone.
The works included modifications at two basins, which provides for the pipeline’s water to reach a further 28,000 families and businesses in the Geelong region.
The pipeline stretches for 59km underground, connecting Geelong’s storage at Lovely Banks with Melbourne’s water supply network at Cowies Hill, west of Werribee.
This pipeline helped Geelong avoid water restrictions this year during one of the driest periods on record across central and western Victoria, the state government said.
“The upgraded pipeline connection to Melbourne provides greater water security to the Geelong region, ensuring families have access to affordable, safe and secure drinking water supplies,” Ms Tierney said.
“With our population growing and the climate getting drier, we are investing in the critical infrastructure needed to move water to where it is needed.”
Barwon Water will continue to use the pipeline this summer to replenish local storages, which sat at 36 per cent of capacity at the end of winter – the lowest since 2008, during the Millennium Drought.
“The pipeline is part of a portfolio of sources that safeguards supply to customers and helps us continue to provide high quality, affordable and secure services,” Barwon Water chair Peta Maddy said.
Earlier this year the state government ordered 50 billion litres of water from the Victorian Desalination Plant in response to the driest summer in more than a decade with Geelong storages hitting a six-year low.
“We are securing our water supply with this upgraded water pipeline, bringing high quality water to families throughout Geelong,” Member for Lara Ella George said.
