Update, Tuesday 10 March
Due to the blockage in Wirths Tunnel, we are using a pump to bypass the blockage and supply customers. We expect to have this solution in place by Friday 13 March.
This setup will allow us to carry out the clearing works following the rural water season.
Our team will be in contact in the coming days to confirm existing orders and scheduling.
Update, Monday 2 March
Following recent structural and safety assessments, we can advise that clearing the Wirths Tunnel blockage is a complex task that will require significant time to resolve. This is due to the location and extent of this blockage.
As a result, we are working to provide a temporary supply to customers using a pump to bypass the blockage. We expect to have this solution in place within the next two weeks.
Once the bypass is in place, our team will be in touch to discuss the delivery of existing orders.
Update, Wednesday 25 February
Following initial structural and safety assessments last week, we are seeking additional assessment and support from contractors to assist in unblocking Wirths Tunnel.
This is due to the location of this blockage and the risks of working in confined spaces and underground,
At the same time, we are considering a number of solutions to safely and effectively remove the blockage.
We are also working on a plan to provide a temporary alternative to supply customers until the blockages are cleared.
A second, partial blockage in Byrnes Tunnel near Byrnes Road, Sutton Grange will be removed by Thursday 26 February.
To manage risk of the forecast heavy rain, we will open the gates of affected channels to allow captured rainfall to flow to customers.
Update, Friday 20 February
We have completed a structural and safety assessment of Wirths Tunnel and confirmed a significant blockage caused by debris entering the Coliban Main Channel from recent fires in the Harcourt area.
We are currently investigating avenues to safely clear the blockage.
We will provide another update mid next week.
Wednesday 18 February
Our crews are attending a blockage on the Coliban Main Channel at Wirths Tunnel near Youngs Lane in Sedgwick.
Debris from the recent fires in Harcourt has washed into the channel, causing the blockage.
This blockage is 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.
Due to the unknown structural condition of the tunnel, it is critical that a thorough assessment is completed before any crews enter, to ensure their safety. As a result, resolving the blockage may take some time.
An assessment is scheduled for this Friday. Following the inspection, we will provide an updates to affected rural customers outlining the next steps and anticipated timeframe to resolve this issue.
Once the issue is resolved, all water orders placed will be fulfilled however there may be delays due to the backlog of orders we receive during this time.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Please check this website or our social media for updates or call us on 1300 363 200.