Central Highlands Water (CHW) is encouraging residents in Daylesford and Hepburn to practice proper water conservation techniques amid ongoing dry conditions across the state.
With continued low rainfall through May, the Daylesford and Hepburn region is now approaching the 5th percentile lowest level of annual rainfall, making this one of the driest periods in over 150 years of records.
Central Highlands Water’s Managing Director, Jeff Haydon, said the team at CHW will continue to monitor conditions closely and keep the community informed if further action is required.
“The possibility of water restrictions remains in this system depending on the local catchment rainfall and runoff conditions,” Haydon said.
To ease pressure on the Wombat and Bullarto Reservoirs, CHW has integrated the Hepburn Reservoir and the Coomoora Bore groundwater source into the water supply system. This move will assist water supply needs during this dry period.
Current storage levels are at approximately 33 per cent, below its projections due largely to increased demand driven by persistently dry weather.
Investing in long-term water security
As part of CHW’s plans to enhance water security in this area of our service region, CHW has committed to investing over $25 million in upgrades. This includes a 17-kilometre pipeline to support the Daylesford and Hepburn region.
The underground 400mm raw water pipeline extends from Blampied, connecting to the Goldfields Superpipe, utilising existing power easements and road reserves where possible. The end connection for the pipeline is the Daylesford Water Treatment Plant.
“This new pipeline has the capacity to deliver an additional 300 million litres of supplementary raw water each year, enhancing the region’s resilience during drought and dry climate conditions while supporting population growth at the same time,” Haydon said.
The final stage involving the upgrades at the Daylesford Water Treatment Plant is progressing, with a design and construct contract now signed and underway. More details on this major treatment plant project will be shared with the community in the coming months. This critical infrastructure upgrade is due to be fully completed by mid-2026.
Water-saving efforts and community support
Permanent Water-Saving Rules remain in effect across Victoria, encouraging residents to use water wisely throughout the year. Community members are also urged to download the Snap Send Solve app and report water leaks and reduce consumption where possible.
CHW continues to support vulnerable customers through targeted plumbing assistance programs, which help improve water efficiency and reduce household costs.
“Helping customers facing hardship is a top priority,” said Haydon. “We’re committed to ensuring water remains accessible and affordable for everyone in our community.”
“We appreciate the community’s ongoing support and awareness as we manage our most precious resource. These investments represent a lasting commitment to secure, reliable, and high-quality water for generations to come,” Haydon said.
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