About the project

Barwon Water is recommissioning the 6ML tank located on Tower Road, Portarlington. The tank will increase the available network water supply which serves the growing communities of Portarlington, St Leonards and Indented Heads.

Restoring the water tank will ensure Barwon Water can continue to provide high-quality drinking water to our customers, reduce the risk of future interruptions to supply and cater for future growth in the area.

Repairs and recoating work on the existing tank are required to recommission the site; in conjunction with designing and building a roof that aligns with Barwon Water’s closed potable network standards and constructing a new disinfection building. A new pump station will also need to be built, to service the high level zone including the new Panorama estate.

Restoring the Portarlington tank will result in less pressure on the Portarlington network compared to the current arrangement. It will also ensure water security between Clifton Springs and Portarlington.

Map showing location of the water tank

Construction

Construction is expected to commence in early 2025 and continue for approximately 18 months. Following construction, we will commission the water tank and pump station, ensuring a safe connection to the existing infrastructure without disruption to local services.

Construction activities will occur Monday to Friday, between 7am and 6pm. If Saturday work is required, it will take place between 7am and 1pm.

Construction area

The majority of construction activities will take place within Barwon Water land and a neighbouring site compound on Tower Road. There will also be minor works in the road reserve and roadway on Tower Road to connect into the existing stormwater network. Temporary fencing and/or traffic management will be in place to ensure public and worker safety during construction. Please be mindful of construction vehicles entering and exiting roads along the construction area.

Traffic impacts

During works, there will be some altered traffic conditions including:

  • increased construction vehicle movement on Tower Road. Heavy vehicles such as excavators, trucks and cranes will be used
  • traffic management will be present on-site to ensure safe and efficient movement of pedestrians and vehicles

Maintaining private property and emergency services

Access to private properties for residents and emergency services will be maintained throughout the works. In the event we need to alter any access to private property driveways, Barwon Water will be in contact to discuss this, ahead of any works commencing.

Noise

There may be some increased noise, dust and vibrations. Barwon Water will aim to minimise impacts to residents as much as possible.

Site facilities

A temporary site office will be established near the tank site on Tower Road. This will remain in place for the duration of the project.

Caring for the environment

Some trees and vegetation may need to be removed to enable safe construction. Barwon Water has conducted detailed flora and fauna assessments to ensure minimal disruption to native plants and animals during construction. All construction activities will be undertaken in accordance with an approved planning permit which includes conditions for environmental offsets to protect and enhance habitats in nearby areas. Barwon Water will also undertake replanting in the area following the completion of construction.

Your water supply

Some properties connected to Barwon Water’s network may experience disruptions to their water service during the works. If this impacts your property, you will be notified with further information.

Caring for Country

Barwon Water is committed to applying a Caring for Country approach to our land and waterways in partnership with Traditional Owners, other agencies and community members. The Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.