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.

Stage 2 water restrictions

The Apollo Bay district has experienced its third driest summer period in the last 50 years. Storage levels have declined to less than 40% due to a combination of dry conditions and high demand.

We’ve been closely monitoring stream flows and storage levels. In response to dry conditions, stage two water restrictions will be introduced in Apollo Bay, Marengo and Skenes Creek from Monday 7 April.

Restrictions are necessary to protect supplies and ensure the district has sufficient water until storages recover. We will continue to monitor storages, forecast and demand trends daily. 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.

Maintenance works

The maintenance works at Marengo Basin is on track to be complete by June 2025 and refilling the basin will begin in May 2025. Maintenance works will take place from Monday to Friday, between 7 am and 6 pm. If Saturday work is required, this will be between 7 am and 1 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.

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).