At a public meeting held at the Community Bank meeting room in Hepburn Springs Central Highlands Water (CHW) outlined the need for greater water security  given that  that current local storages (Wombat, Bullarto and Hepburn reservoirs/storages)  are currently 35% of capacity (compared to 65% last year).

Even more seriously, CHW modelling of climate change indicates the potential for long term water inflows to reduce by 45%.

CHW have released details of 2 initiatives that will enhance water security in the shire and Daylesford/Hepburn to address water security in the future.

Digital meters

This June and July will see the roll out of digital water meters across this region.

Scott from CHW explained that new meters will provide users with a number of major benefits

  • Leak detection
  • Improved bill insights
  • Moving made easier
  • Automated meter reading
  • Efficient network
  • Sustainability

Scott from CHW stressed that the replacement of meters will be free of charge and that meter replacement will cause minimal disruption, taking less than 20 minutes in most cases.

It will not be necessary for homeowners to be present during the changeover, however there may be a need to run taps for 30 seconds after installation. The changeover work will be carried out by CHW contractor – New Pluming Solutions.

The new meters are battery operated (battery life 10-15 years) and will be capable of transmitting data hourly.

Daylesford water pipeline project update,

David from CHW detailed that the 17km pipeline installation works has been completed, along with upgrades to the pumping station.

The third part of the project – the treatment plant is scheduled for completion prior to summer 2026. The treatment of water from the Goldfields superpipe will use ultraviolet light as part of it disinfection process.

The total investment in the project is $15mil.

The underground 400 mm raw water pipeline will extend from Blampied, connecting to the Goldfields Superpipe. The end connection for the pipeline is at the Daylesford Water Treatment Plant.

When needed, the pipeline will be able deliver more than 300 million additional litres per annum of supplementary raw water for the community.

If the dry conditions continue Daylesford residents could see limited restrictions for outdoor water use introduced as early as September. Although the pipeline work has been  completed water will not be available for consumption until the treatment plant install is completed in 2026.