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 are progressing, and we expect Marengo Basin will be available for refilling by the end of July.
Once we begin refilling, there’ll be some minor works onsite at Marengo Basin, which we anticipate will be complete in spring 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.

Update - June 2025

As part of these works, you may notice increased truck movements from Monday 30 June between Marengo Basin and the Apollo Bay Basin sites.

The trucks will travel from Marengo Basin, along the Great Ocean Road between Ferrier Drive and Gambier Street, then along Barham River Road to Apollo Bay Basin. Please refer to the map below. We anticipate that there’ll be regular truck movements for around three weeks (weather dependent), as follows:

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

During this time, you may notice:

• some changes to traffic conditions along Barham River Road, including a reduced speed limit and some minor delays until the movements are complete.
• traffic management will be present to ensure safe and efficient movement of vehicles. Please follow any signage and direction.

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

Stage 2 water restrictions

Stage 2 water restrictions will apply in Apollo Bay, Marengo and Skenes Creek from 1 am on Tuesday 1 July 2025.

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).