Construction has begun on a new pipeline that will provide 100 million litres of recycled water to irrigate Deakin’s Waurn Ponds campus.
The $5.6 million dollar project will result in a 6km pipeline extension to the Armstrong Creek recycled water pipeline, delivering Class A water – the highest grade of recycled water – to the campus.
The water will be used to irrigate the university’s sports and recreation fields, reducing the campus’ usage of potable water by approximately 60 per cent.
Initiated through the state government’s Integrated Water Management Program, the project is being funded by Barwon Water ($3.3 million) and Deakin ($2.3 million).
The project was announced at the end of last month by Christine Couzens MP.
“This is a great example of sustainable water management that both benefits the community and alleviates demand on our precious drinking water,” Ms Couzens said.
In its December 2024 Annual Water Outlook, Barwon Water announced the Geelong region had undergone a dry period since 2023, with the West Barwon Reservoir experiencing its driest year in 79 years in that time period.
Victorian Minister for Water Gayle Tierney said by switching from potable water to recycled water to irrigate its open spaces, Deakin was helping to protect the region’s drinking water supplies.
“This fantastic project builds on the Allan Labor government’s ongoing investment to maximise the use of recycled water across Victoria, through long-term planning and infrastructure upgrades,” Ms Tierney said.
Works on the pipeline are expected to be complete in early 2026.
