Dry conditions impact pipe network

Barwon Water’s operations and maintenance crews have been responding to increased numbers of water main bursts and leaks due to ongoing dry weather conditions.

With rainfall significantly below average, dried out soils are causing increased ground movement, leading to stress on our water pipe network.

For example, there has been an 18 per cent increase in bursts and leaks in the Colac Otway Shire over the past 12 months – from 230 to 271 incidents.

“While we can’t control the weather, Barwon Water does have a proactive renewals program in place for our pipe network, with up to eight kilometres of pipes replaced each year at a cost of $5.8 million,” Managing Director Shaun Cumming said.

“We also have a pressure management program in place to reduce the likelihood of leaks, bursts and water supply interruptions.

“With rainfall becoming less reliable and our population set to double by 2050, we’re committed to ensuring that our region has a reliable supply of high-quality drinking water.

“As part of this commitment, we’re upgrading our infrastructure and introducing smart technology to identify leaks more quickly.”

There are 596.7km of water mains in the Colac Otway Shire boundary (Colac, Apollo Bay, Birregurra, Gellibrand).

Mr Cumming said Apollo Bay and Lorne would be among the first towns within the Barwon region to benefit from the smart technology, with digital meters being rolled out later this year.

The Smart Networks program forms a key part of Barwon Water’s long-term digital transformation and water saving strategies, helping with early identification of leaks within the Barwon Water network as well as supporting customers to save water and money off their bills.

Mr Cumming thanked customers for their support in reporting bursts and leaks.

“When it comes to water and sewerage related emergencies and faults, we are always on call. We’ve got a 24/7 emergency and fault line operating 365 days a year.

“We take great responsibility and care of the valuable resource we manage and have a commitment to attending and repairing faults as quickly as possible.”

Barwon Water delivering a trenchless pipe replacement project, which reduces the impact on residents and the local environment, near Warncoort.