Uni campus taps into recycled water network

An expansion of the Geelong region’s recycled water network will see green spaces at a university campus irrigated with 100 million litres of recycled water each year.

Works are underway on the $5.6 million project, which will extend a recycled water pipeline from the Armstrong Creek growth area to Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus.

Member for Geelong Christine Couzens, representing the Minister for Water Gayle Tierney, joined Barwon Water and Deakin University leaders to mark the start of construction.

Barwon Water allocated $3.3 million and Deakin University $2.3 million to build a six-kilometre pipeline that will deliver Class A recycled water to the campus.

The pipeline will irrigate the sports and recreation fields in Deakin’s elite sports precinct, reducing the university’s reliance on precious drinking water by around 60 per cent.

Construction began in late July and is expected to be completed in early 2026.

The initiative aligns with the Victorian Government’s Central and Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy.

The strategy is a comprehensive plan to meet the region’s water needs over the next 50 years, with a focus on increasing the use of recycled water.

Barwon Water is reducing its reliance on rainfall and diversifying its sources to increase the region’s water security.

Recycled water initiatives are playing a key role in building a diverse portfolio, with other major projects underway in Portarlington and the Surf Coast.

This collaborative project was initiated through the Victorian Government’s Integrated Water Management Program, which supports development of rainwater, stormwater and recycled water projects that alleviate demand for fresh drinking water.

Since 2017, the program has co-invested $72.8 million in 176 projects.

The project is part of Deakin University’s wider Integrated Water Management plan, which supports its vision to create a Climate Ready Campus.

Class A recycled water is safe, high-quality and always available, helping safeguard drinking water supplies during periods of dry conditions.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Water, Gayle Tierney

"By switching from drinking water to recycled water to keep its open spaces green, Deakin University is helping protect Geelong’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.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Geelong, Christine Couzens

“This is a great example of sustainable water management that both benefits the community and alleviates demand on our precious drinking water.”

Deakin University Director of Sustainability Zoe Paisley, Barwon Water Managing Director Shaun Cumming, Member for Geelong Christine Couzens MP, Barwon Water Chair Jo Plummer, and Senior Director of Resilience and Cyber Security Martyn Bayly at Deakin’s Waurn Ponds Campus Elite Sporting Precinct.