Have you noticed sewer upgrade works being performed in your area? As part of our ongoing commitment to deliver high quality, affordable and reliable sewerage services to our customers and community, we’re upgrading hundreds of sewer pipes around our region.

Sewer upgrade program explained

Please note that Barwon Water is currently has two principal contractors carrying out this essential work. Please direct your contact according to whichever contractor is stated on your notification letter or call Barwon Water directly

These pipes have over time begun to wear away or crack, suffering a build-up of fats, debris and non-flushable items (such as wipes and sanitary products) that can cause blockages and subsequent spills and leaks.

This important work helps renew our sewer mains by extending their life and upgrading them like new.

Our works will benefit you, your family, your neighbourhood and the environment and our crews are working as efficiently as possible to get the job done. It’s all part of our commitment to providing high quality, affordable and reliable sewerage services for our customers and community.

Locations

You’ll find our crews of contractors performing these proactive works across sites in Geelong, the Surf Coast, the Bellarine, Colac and surrounding areas.

As we move to each location, nearby residents and businesses will be notified by our contractors.

Who is doing the work?

We have appointed Interflow and Veolia as our principal contractors to carry out these essential upgrade programs. They will be supported by sub-contractors for some elements of the work.

Please direct your contact according to whichever contractor is stated on your notification letter, or call Barwon Water directly on 1300 656 007.

What is involved?

There are a series of steps involved to complete the works, with different contractors and sub-contractors involved for each task. Our contractors use CCTV to inspect sewer pipes, to determine if they are suitable for relining. After cleaning the pipes with high pressure water, structural liners are installed in the pipes to help reinforce them.Basically, we’re creating a pipe-within-a-pipe.Upgrades to sewer maintenance holes may also take place.

This work ensures a reliable and high-quality sewerage service for years to come.

What to expect

During works there might be some noise from trucks and equipment on site. We’re sorry for this inconvenience and will try to keep noise to a minimum.

You may also notice some odour as we are working with sewerage. Be reassured the smell is not harmful to people or pets.

To upgrade the sewer lines, contractors may need to access maintenance holes or inspection openings located on or near your property or business.

If private property access is impacted due to the works, our contractors will be in touch with those businesses or residents to discuss temporary access arrangements ahead of the works commencing.

In most instances, works are completed above ground level. However, if the condition of the existing sewer pipe is deteriorated or there are blockages in the pipe, then it may require urgent excavation to avoid any sewage overflows. If this happens, our contractor will discuss this with you, prior to starting works near your property.

Sometimes our maintenance holes or openings are located beneath roads or laneways. If any pedestrian footpath or road closures are required, our contractors will put in place the necessary traffic management to support this, always planning for minimum disruption.

We will reinstate the area upon completion of works, ensuring nature strips, footpaths and roads affected by the work are left in good condition.

Impact on residents and businesses

To minimise disruption, our contractors will provide information to you about the work that needs to be done, give you as much notice as possible and try to schedule the work at your convenience ahead of the works commencing.

Prior to any work, affected customers are notified of:

  • works being undertaken
  • hours of work
  • estimated completion date
  • any property access or reinstatement needs, and
  • contact details.
  • Work is usually completed during the day between 7 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday. If Saturday work is required, hours will be from 8 am to 1 pm. If work outside these hours is required, you will be notified.

    Due to the nature of these works, we are likely to be moving locations regularly and returning to locations for further works at a later stage. This is because there is a series of steps involved in conducting these upgrades and some require time between before we can commence the next stage.

    To protect pedestrians, motorists and residents, we will install barricades around our equipment, tools, storage facilities, and any works which might pose a hazard or safety risk. Our storage-shed locations are coordinated with local councils to ensure minimal impact on local residents.

    Works may impact on-street parking and residents will be notified if works affect property access. Traffic signs will be installed at either end of the works area, and traffic management staff will be present on site to ensure the safe and efficient movement of pedestrians and vehicles.

    Access to private properties, public facilities, schools and emergency services will be maintained throughout the works.