Central Highlands Water (CHW) is urging Daylesford and Hepburn residents to be mindful of their water usage as the region faces one of its driest periods on record. With rainfall across May tracking at the fifth percentile — among the lowest in over 150 years — CHW is ramping up efforts to manage current supply and safeguard the community’s future water needs.

CHW Managing Director Jeff Haydon said the organisation is closely monitoring local conditions and will keep the community informed if water restrictions become necessary.

“The possibility of water restrictions remains on the table, depending on catchment rainfall and runoff,” Mr Haydon said.

To ease pressure on the Wombat and Bullarto Reservoirs, CHW has recently brought the Hepburn Reservoir and Coomoora Bore groundwater source online. Together, these sources are helping to meet increased demand as storage levels have dropped to around 33% — lower than forecast due to ongoing dry conditions.

To improve the region’s long-term water security, CHW has committed more than $25 million to infrastructure upgrades. A key component of this plan is a new 17-kilometre underground pipeline from Blampied to the Daylesford Water Treatment Plant.

“This new 400mm pipeline connects to the Goldfields Superpipe and can deliver an additional 300 million litres of raw water annually,” Mr Haydon said. “It’s designed to boost resilience during drought and support local population growth.”

Construction of the final stage — upgrades at the Daylesford Water Treatment Plant — is already underway under a recently signed design and construct contract. The project is expected to be completed by mid-2026, with further details to be shared with the community in coming months.

CHW is reminding residents that Permanent Water Saving Rules remain in place across Victoria, urging everyone to use water wisely all year round. Locals are encouraged to report leaks or issues using the Snap Send Solve app and to look for ways to reduce daily consumption.

The utility is also continuing its support for vulnerable customers through targeted plumbing assistance programs designed to reduce water use and lower household costs.

“Helping customers facing hardship is a top priority,” Mr Haydon said. “We’re committed to ensuring water remains accessible and affordable for everyone in our community.”

Mr Haydon thanked the community for its continued support during the dry spell.

“These investments reflect our long-term commitment to providing secure, reliable and high-quality water for generations to come.”

For more information about CHW’s infrastructure projects and water-saving tips, visit www.chw.net.au.

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This article is based on a media release from Central Highlands Water.