Future Geelong: Barwon Water working on alternative water grid that aligns with community vision

Work is underway on the design and feasibility of a large-scale alternative water grid that will help secure the region’s water needs in a drying climate.

Barwon Water's headquarters on Ryrie St. Picture: Trevor Mein.

Work is underway on the design and feasibility of a large-scale alternative water grid that will help secure the region’s water needs in a drying climate, in the process enhancing the resilience of the area.

Barwon Water boss Shaun Cumming said work on the grid supported the community’s vision for the region that was developed during the organisation’s Water for our Future program in 2022.

That vision is to be “a place where our rivers flow, our foods grow, and our impact is low”.

The grid would distribute recycled water and treated stormwater for beneficial non-drinking uses through locations from Black Rock in Breamlea and the Surf Coast hinterland, all the way to northern and western Geelong.

“It would link to and enhance a number of local integrated water management (IWM) initiatives currently in progress in the region, including the growth areas of north and west Geelong, and the Surf Coast hinterland agricultural area,” Mr Cumming said.

Barwon Water managing director Shaun Cumming at the recent Future Geelong workshop. Picture: Alan Barber.

Mr Cumming said by 2070 the volume of recycled water available for beneficial use in the Barwon region could present a big opportunity to achieve positive outcomes for the regional economy and provide for environmental and cultural needs.

“While supporting agribusiness, horticulture and other commercial and residential customers, it could also provide the water required for the large-scale production of green hydrogen in Geelong,” he said.

“In partnership with Deakin, we’re extending the reach of the Class A purple pipe network from Black Rock to their Waurn Ponds campus to irrigate the university’s grounds.

“On the Bellarine, we’re extending the reach of fit-for-purpose recycled water to wineries, to boost production and help keep the Bellarine green year-round.”

Mr Cumming said the alternative water grid alone was an important part of future water security planning, which would also include other supply augmentations.

The state government has provided close to $450,000 in funding from its IWM program to support the investigation into the alternative water grid.

Originally published as Future Geelong: Barwon Water working on alternative water grid that aligns with community vision