Echuca Water Tower
- Echuca
Update Friday 13 March 2026
Scaffolding in place around the Echuca Water Tower has now been removed.
If you're passing the tower, you may see signage and additional temporary fencing. Please follow any instructions provided to ensure your safety while work is underway.
What to expect next?
We have received the final report of an independent structural assessment commissioned to evaluate the long-term safety of the Echuca Water Tower.
The report has confirmed the tower is operating past its expected lifespan with structural issues likely to pose a future risk to Coliban Water staff, contractors, and members of the public.
Following engagement with external stakeholders, the decision has been made to decommission the tower and plan for its removal.
We have made changes to the way the local water network operates and lowered the water level in the tower to less than 60%. Some customers may have experienced slightly lower water pressure since this time.
Work is now underway on a project to transform the Echuca water supply from an elevated storage to a direct booster pump system.
Drop in and learn more
We're holding a second Community Drop-in Sessions this week. Call in at a time that suits you, meet our project team, learn more about the tower and the Echuca water network, and explore the project timeline.
Wednesday 18 March
4pm to 6.30pm
Mercure Port of Echuca
465 High Street
If you can't make it on the day, you can contact us on 1300 363 200 or email coliban@coliban.com.au with any questions or feedback you may have.
More information
For the latest information, FAQs, and a project timeline visit connect.coliban.com.au/echuca-water-tower.
Blue-green algae detection - Mysia
- Mysia
We are experiencing poor raw water quality due to blue-green algae being detected in the raw water supply at Mysia.
We have increased our water quality testing program to monitor the situation more closely.
Customers in Mysia are reminded that the town’s water supply is untreated and not suitable for drinking, food preparation, brushing your teeth or ice-making. It is recommended that pets are not given this water to drink.
For additional blue-green algae water quality information visit Connect Coliban.
Harcourt - Bushfire Bill Relief
- Harcourt
The following support is now available for customers in Harcourt following the bushfires that impacted the community on 9 January 2026.
Bushfire Bill Relief Program
| For urban customers in Harcourt who lost their primary dwelling or business | We have waived our entire bill for the billing period early November 2025 to early February 2026. We will waive our fixed service charges for the billing period early February 2026 to early May 2026 (this means you will only pay for any water used on your property during this time). No action is required. These benefits will be applied automatically for eligible customers. |
| For rural customers in Harcourt who access water from our rural pipeline (and who are billed using a different structure) | Impacted customers in the fire-affected area will receive $450 in bill relief, including a $300 rebate off their current bill (received in February 2026) and a further $150 rebate off their next bill (due to be issued in April 2026). These benefits will be applied automatically for eligible customers. Eligible customers may also be entitled to an additional $500 if their primary dwelling was destroyed by fire. Please contact us if you believe you are eligible for this support. |
| Whole-of-community support | Through our Community Rebates Program, we made a $6,000 contribution to the Harcourt Progress Association rebate to support local recovery efforts. This contribution acknowledges the impact of the Do Not Drink Advisory caused by the fires. |
If you need help or have questions, please call us on 1300 363 200.
Further information is available at www.connect.coliban.com.au/harcourt.
Click here for information about our Coliban Assist program and our support for customers.
The Victorian Government is providing recovery support for people and communities affected by the fires. Click here to learn more about the help and support available.
You can call the Emergency Recovery Hotline every day on 1800 560 760 from 9am to 5pm.
Blue-green algae detection - Dingee
- Dingee
We are experiencing poor raw water quality due to blue-green algae being detected in the raw water supply at Dingee.
We have increased our water quality testing program to monitor the situation more closely.
Customers in Dingee are reminded that the town’s water supply is untreated and not suitable for drinking, food preparation, brushing your teeth or ice-making. It is recommended that pets are not given this water to drink.
For additional blue-green algae water quality information visit Connect Coliban.
Coliban Main Channel blockage - Sedgwick
- Coliban Main Channel, Sedgwick
Update, Wednesday 1 April
We have successfully installed a bypass pump at Wirths Tunnel, allowing us to continue supplying customers.
This temporary setup allows us to maintain supply while we plan the clearing works for after the rural water season.
Our team is working through existing orders and scheduling and contacting customers.
Final orders for the season can be placed until 2.30pm on Friday 24 April 2026.
About the blockages
A blockage on the Coliban Main Channel caused by debris from the recent fires in Harcourt was impacting our ability to deliver water to parts of the rural network including Spring Gully Channel, Abbotts Channel, Mannes Channel, Emu Valley #1 Channel, Emu Valley #2 Channel and the Coliban Main Channel downstream of Charles Lane in Faraday.
Our rural network provides water to our rural customers for irrigation and stock use. There is no impact to our drinking water networks which supply the towns in our region.
Blockages were identified in Wirths Tunnel near Youngs Lane, Sedgwick, and Byrnes Tunnel near Byrnes Road, Sutton Grange.
Assessing the tunnels
Due to the unknown structural condition of the tunnels and the risks of working in confined spaces and underground, clearing the blockage will take some time.
Structural and safety assessments of the tunnels have been completed to ensure the safety of our staff and the extent of the blockages. These assessments showed the location and extent of the blockages.
The partial blockage in Byrnes Tunnel near Byrnes Road, Sutton Grange was removed on Thursday 26 February.
The Wirths Tunnel blockage will take time to resolve and therefore will be undertaken after the closure of the rural season.
Clearing the blockages
We have worked to provide a temporary supply to customers using a pump to bypass the blockage. This bypass will help fill all water orders placed by rural customers however there may be delays due to the backlog of orders we receive during this time. Our team will be in touch to discuss the delivery of existing orders.
We are considering several solutions to safely and effectively remove the blockage. This will be done at the conclusion of the rural season and may require additional assessment and support from contractors.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Please check this website or our social media for updates or call us on 1300 363 200.