Blue-green algae warning - Barkers Creek Reservoir
- Barkers Creek
Update: Friday 10 October 12pm
While sampling and testing shows continued improvement, a blue-green algae alert remains in place for Barkers Creek Reservoir.
A reminder to customers accessing the Harcourt Modernised Pipeline, the water remains safe for irrigation. However, people, stock, and pets should avoid contact with the water until further notice.
We will continue to monitor conditions and keep you informed.
Further information below.
An alert has been issued for Barkers Creek Reservoir, which provides water for irrigation and stock use for rural customers.
Results have shown the presence of high-level blue-green algae, which may impact the appearance and odour of the water.
Rural customers on the Harcourt Modernised Pipeline should take precautions while the alert is in place.
Rural customers are advised that water supplied via the pipeline remains safe for irrigation purposes.
People, stock, and pets should avoid contact with the water. The health of stock or animals that may consume channel water should be monitored.
Blue-green algae is not always visible and does not always colour the water blue or green.
Information on how blue-green algae can make animals sick can be obtained from Agriculture Victoria.
We have increased our sampling and testing procedures at Barkers Creek Reservoir and will continue to monitor conditions and keep customers informed.
Visitors and recreational users at Barkers Creek Reservoir
Visitors and recreational users are advised to avoid contact with the water.
It is generally safe to eat fish caught in affected areas, but take care to rinse and clean fish carefully in fresh water. Only eat the flesh of the fish and discard any internal organs. Further information can be obtained from the Victorian Fisheries Authority.
While people and dogs are not permitted in the water at Barkers Creek Reservoir, if contact has been made rinse any contact areas with fresh water.
For more information on blue-green algae visit this link.
Stream gauge upgrade – Castlemaine
- Castlemaine
We are upgrading an old stream gauge in Campbells Creek near the Castlemaine Water Reclamation Plant from late May to late July, weather permitting.
Works include extending the existing weir, installing a new electronic sensor and clearing overgrown vegetation at the weir.
After works are complete, the gauge will provide high quality and reliable data to assess the health of Campbells Creek.
For more information visit please call 1300 363 200.
Echuca fluoride system offline
- Echuca
As part of Coliban Water’s regular upgrade and maintenance program, the fluoride system at the Echuca Water Treatment Plant is currently offline while the unit is being replaced.
This means fluoride will not be added to the Echuca water supply until the work is complete.
Fluoride does not contribute to your water’s safety. Your water remains safe to drink.
For more information on why fluoride is added to drinking water and the oral health benefits, visit the Department of Health's website at health.vic.gov.au/water/water-fluoridation. And for other ways to help support dental health, visit health.vic.gov.au/water/unfluoridated-areas
We encourage community members to speak with their dentist or healthcare provider if they have any concerns.
We expect the new fluoride system at the Echuca Water Treatment Plant will be installed by mid-2026.
Planned works at Bendigo Water Treatment Plant
- Bendigo
We are installing a new ultra-violet (UV) disinfection system and chlorine contact tank (CCT) at the Bendigo Water Treatment Plant from late May to Friday December 2025.
Works will be carried out 7am and 5pm on weekdays.
There will be increase in traffic during this period as vehicles and crews arrive and leave the Bendigo plant each day. This will include cranes, concrete trucks, light to medium trucks and general vehicles.
Completing this project will help improve the water supply that we provide to customers in Bendigo, Huntly, Marong, Axedale, Raywood, and Sebastian.
There will be no disruption to your water supply and your water remains safe to drink
Nearby residents, who may notice an increase in traffic, have been notified.
Pipeline construction – Maiden Gully to Marong
- Maiden Gully
Work to install the Maiden Gully to Marong Pipeline continues with the five kilometre section of sewer main and water pipeline along the Calder Highway west of the Maiden Gully Shopping Centre.
In April we’ll be working in the roadway median between Monsants Road and Beckhams Road and there will be traffic management in place along the service road between Beckhams Road and McNamara Drive. We’ll be aiming to keep any interruptions to a minimum.
For further project information visit connect.coliban.com.au/maiden-gully-marong-pipeline