Planned inspection works are underway on the Wombat Hill high-level water basin, a key component of Daylesford’s water supply network, as part of the broader Daylesford pipeline upgrade scheduled for completion in the coming months.
The high-level basin, one of two located on Wombat Hill, stores treated water from the Daylesford Water Treatment Plant before it is gravity-fed to households and businesses across the township. The gravity system has long been central to maintaining stable water pressure throughout Daylesford.
Daylesford’s water is sourced from the Wombat and Bullarto reservoirs and piped to the treatment plant, where it undergoes standard processing before being transferred up to Wombat Hill. The current inspections are part of ongoing infrastructure requirements and are separate to, but consistent with, the wider pipeline project that has been progressing across the region.
Central Highlands Water has temporarily taken the high-level basin offline to allow for what it describes as planned operational inspections. To ensure supply continues uninterrupted, interim water tanks and associated temporary pipework have been installed adjacent to the basin. CHW has confirmed that no disruption to customer water supply is expected and that drinking water remains safe throughout the works.
The inspection and upgrade process will occur in two stages. Stage one, running from October to December 2025, involves installing the temporary system and conducting a detailed inspection of the basin structure. Stage two will begin in March 2026 and will be shaped by the findings of the inspection report, potentially including further infrastructure works.
The Wombat Hill basin inspections follow a period of major investment in Daylesford’s water system, including the new Daylesford pipeline, which is nearing completion. That project, designed to improve reliability and long-term resilience, forms a key part of the region’s water security planning. The current works on Wombat Hill are another step in ensuring that the town’s ageing but essential infrastructure continues to operate safely and reliably.
Central Highlands Water says the inspections are routine but important back-end work that supports the community’s water supply behind the scenes. With temporary systems in place and no anticipated interruptions, the only changes residents are expected to notice are limited parking atop Wombat Hill because of the temporary tanks and large pipes along the footpath to the Wombat Hill Cafe.
This article is based on a statement from Central Highlands Water.
