Work is now underway on the final stage of a major upgrade to Daylesford’s water supply system, marking a significant step towards securing the long-term water needs of the Daylesford and Hepburn region.
Central Highlands Water (CHW) announced this week that construction has begun on the final phase of the $25 million Daylesford Water Supply upgrade. The CHW Board and senior management toured the Daylesford Water Treatment Plant on Tuesday to mark the occasion.
This final stage involves upgrading the existing water treatment plant, building on earlier works that included installing 17 kilometres of 400 mm raw water pipeline and upgrading pump stations. Once complete, the system will be capable of treating and delivering more than 300 million litres of additional water each year — a critical boost during dry spells or drought conditions.
The new infrastructure will allow supplementary water to be fed into the system, reinforcing existing surface water supplies from the Wombat and Bullarto Reservoirs.
CHW Managing Director Jeff Haydon said the investment reflects a long-term commitment to the sustainability and resilience of the region.
“This project is a significant step forward in securing the region’s water future for the next 50 plus years,” Haydon said. “By investing in climate-resilient infrastructure today, we’re ensuring that communities like Daylesford and the Hepburn region have a reliable and sustainable water supply for generations to come.”
The Daylesford upgrade is the single largest water infrastructure investment CHW has made in the region. It also arrives at a critical time as Victoria prepares for more intense dry spells and climate variability.
In recent months, water security has emerged as a key concern for regional communities across Victoria, with the Victorian Government’s 2024 Water Security Strategy emphasising the need for infrastructure that supports population growth and reduces reliance on rainfall-dependent sources.
“This investment by Central Highlands Water supports the long-term liveability, growth, and economic prosperity of this region,” Haydon said.
The project is expected to improve both water quality and supply reliability, helping to future-proof the region’s urban and environmental water needs.
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This article is based on a media release from Central Highlands Water.
