Work has begun on the final phase of a major upgrade to the Daylesford water supply, extending the connection from Daylesford to the Goldfields Superpipe.
The $25 million initiative, led by Central Highlands Water, aims to deliver up to 300 million litres of additional water per year to Daylesford, Hepburn, and Hepburn Springs. It builds on earlier work that included the installation of a 17-kilometre pipeline linking Daylesford to the Superpipe from Lake Eppalock to Ballarat, and upgrades to the Blampied pump station. The current phase focuses on expanding the capacity of the Daylesford Water Treatment Plant.
The $25 million upgrade is Central Highlands Water’s largest investment into Daylesford’s water supply – marking a significant milestone in the region’s water security.
The Daylesford and Hepburn region is currently experiencing Stage 2 water restrictions – prompted by the driest summer and autumn in over three decades—with local reservoirs hovering around 30 percent capacity.
Mary-Anne Thomas, Member for Macedon, described the upgrade as “a critical investment into our community’s health and wellbeing that will help us avoid future water restrictions and secure our water supply for generations to come.”
Central Highlands Water’s Managing Director, Jeff Haydon, characterized the full project as “a lasting investment in water infrastructure, delivering long-term benefits in water security, reliability, and quality for the Daylesford and Hepburn communities.”
The project continues the region’s long-term drive to strengthen water resilience amid declining rainfall and rising demand.
Households are encouraged to continue practicing water-saving habits – such as fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, and avoiding watering during the heat of the day.
Related Stories
Future Proofing Daylesford’s Water Supply
CHW Takes Action to Secure Long-Term Water Supply for Daylesford and Hepburn
