A quality long-term water supply has been secured for Birregurra, with the town now connected to Colac’s system.

We’ve completed and are now operating a $10.1 million pipeline, which is delivering high-quality water from Colac through to the town of Birregurra.

The 19-kilometre underground pipeline, new water-treatment facility and storage tank replace Birregurra’s ageing local plant, open supply channel and storage basins.

Tapping into Colac’s supply improves the quality of water reaching Birregurra homes. It will also deliver significant water savings and help keep prices affordable.

The Colac system is able to comfortably meet the demand in Birregurra, with scope to cater for future growth and will be an important pillar in bushfire resilience and water security for the town.

Birregurra’s water was previously sourced from the open Wurdee Boluc and Birregurra channels (supplied by the West Barwon Reservoir) and stored in open basins prior to being treated at the local plant.

Removing the need for a dedicated treatment plant in Birregurra reduces electricity use and will cut operational costs. Significant water savings are also expected, as less water will evaporate from the open storage basins and channels, particularly during summer.

The Colac water supply system is sourced from the West Gellibrand and Olangolah reservoirs in the Otways. It is connected via the pipeline that runs from Forrest Street in Colac to Bowden Street, Birregurra.

The pipeline follows road reserves and farmland, with above-ground infrastructure such as a storage tank, disinfection facility and pressure-reducing valves installed along the route.

The switch now means Birregurra customers are receiving fluoridated water.

We’re planning to decommission the assets at the former Cape Otway Road Treatment Plant and Bowden Street Tank sites in Birregurra. No decision has been made in relation to future uses for these sites.