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.