$80m pipe turned off

Water supply switch for spring

THE $80 million Melbourne to Geelong pipeline has been turned off, with Barwon Water now drawing supply from its Moorabool system reservoirs.

The pipeline, used to boost supplies in the region north of Geelong, was switched on for the first time in April.

The 59km “insurance policy” was activated when storages sat at 35 per cent, but heavy rainfall over the past few months has reduced the need for the back-up source.

Customers in Geelong’s northern suburbs and parts of the Golden Shire will switch sources, in line with general practice in spring.

Barwon Water infrastructure services general manager Paul Northey said the move helped balance water storages across the network.

“Bannockburn, Teesdale and Inverleigh switch entirely to the Moorabool system and suburbs in some parts of Geelong receive a blend of water from the Barwon and Moora- bool catchments,” Mr Northey said.

“Switching between water sources may occur at any time to optimise use and maintain supplies.”

He said some customers would notice a change in the taste of their water as a result of the change.

All water is 100 per cent safe and compliant with national guidelines.

The Moorabool supply system sits at 81 per cent capacity, up from 52 per cent this time last year.