Ultima gets clean drinking water

A town in northwest Victoria that has waited years for access to clean drinking water can finally drink freely.

For years the tiny town of Ultima, 30km southwest of Swan Hill, had relied on filling up their water bottles from a trailer in the main street.

But now, a newly constructed pipeline from GWMWater is bringing safe drinking water to the 173 residents.

Brendyn Wilson, who has lived in Ultima for 12 years with wife Vivienne, said that the new pipeline is “fantastic” for the town, and will make things a lot easier for residents.

“There was a time when the water coming out of our taps was marginally better than the Murray River … It’s a terrific improvement on what we had,” he said.

“People had been buying bottled water, and GWMWater had been supplying a trailer of potable water, but it becomes a problem for people that can’t drive or become limited in mobility.

“To be able to get away from pumps, away from water storage and all its problems, it’s fantastic.”

Mr Wilson said a lot of credit must go to Sonia Cunning, an Ultima community icon and former The Weekly Times Shine nominee.

“She was the main instigator for getting this going,” he said.

“It probably would have happened one day, but without her efforts it certainly wouldn’t have happened as quickly as it did.”

Ultima resident and community icon Sonia Cunning. Picture: Jason Edwards

The water will be supplied from the Swan Hill Treatment Plant.

GWMWater managing director Mark Williams thanked residents for their patience, and said there would be announcements regarding community celebrations to come.

It is estimated there will be an increase of $2.06 a week for each household in Ultima to receive the drinking water supply.

More than 5600 people across 38 other townships in the GWMWater controlled area currently do not have access to safe drinking water, while GWMWater has begun plans to give access to Berriwillock, Culgoa, Moyston, Kaniva and Elmhurst.