Barwon Water is undertaking maintenance works to Marengo Basin, to ensure it continues to deliver secure high-quality drinking water supply to Apollo Bay, Marengo and Skenes Creek, reducing the risk of supply interruptions and catering for future growth.

To deliver these works, we’ll follow a three-step process:

• emptying the basin
• upgrading the basin
• refiling the basin.

There are no planned interruptions to water services due to these works, however customers in the area may notice a slight change to the taste of their water. This may occur when their supply is switched between the Apollo Bay and Marengo basins, which both provide the region with water sourced from the Barham River.

Maintenance works

The maintenance works at Marengo Basin remain on track to be complete by mid-2025. Maintenance works will take place:

• Monday to Friday, between 7 am and 6 pm
• Saturday, between 7 am and 3 pm.

While all works will take place onsite at Barwon Water’s basin, you may notice:

• an increase in construction vehicles and trucks on nearby roads, predominantly via Roberts Road and Ferrier Drive
• an increase in construction vehicles and trucks entering and exiting the site
• some increase in noise and dust from the maintenance works and vehicles
• access to private properties for residents and emergency services will be maintained throughout the works.

We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience during these maintenance works.

Stage 3 water restrictions

The Apollo Bay area has experienced its lowest amount of rainfall in 85 years during the last 12 months.

Stage 3 water restrictions will apply in Apollo Bay, Marengo and Skenes Creek from 1 am on Saturday 10 May 2025.

Ongoing dry conditions are putting pressure on storage levels, which have continued to decline despite the introduction of Stage 2 restrictions in early April.

Restrictions are necessary to reduce demand, safeguard supplies and ensure the district has sufficient water until storages recover. Click here to learn more about the water restrictions.

We used water from the Marengo Basin during summer to reduce water levels in that storage, and allow for planned maintenance works during autumn. The project has not impacted on Apollo Bay’s water security.

Caring for Country

We’re aware that Latham’s Snipe Birds habitat is onsite at Marengo basin. We’ve conducted a significant impact assessment to ensure we minimise disruption to the birds and other native animals and plants.

We’re undertaking ongoing engagement with Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation and Aboriginal Victoria. We’re working under a Cultural Heritage Permit with Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation.

Some trees and vegetation have been removed for the maintenance works and for dam safety requirements. We’ll replant double the amount of what was removed once maintenance works are complete.

Background

Marengo Basin, located approximately 3km southwest of Apollo Bay, was constructed in 1980.

The basin is supplied with raw water from the Barham River in the southern Otway Ranges.

This water first travels through Apollo Bay Basin on route to Marengo Basin, then to the adjacent Apollo Bay Water Treatment Plant (WTP).

This WTP is located on the same site as Marengo Basin and supplies the Apollo Bay coastal area. Marengo Basin is therefore an important asset for security of supply to the Apollo Bay’s area.

During maintenance, water is bypassing Marengo Basin for storage in the Apollo Bay Basin, which is (double the size of Marengo Basin).