During the program’s five year period, we will replace or upgrade hundreds of old and damaged pipes. This important ongoing maintenance program renews the mains, extending their life and minimising risk of blockages, sewer spills and improves sewerage services.
During this time, we will be working across sites in Geelong, Colac Otway Shire, the Surf Coast and Bellarine regions. Our Operations team prioritise the work locations every six months.
Who is doing the work?
We have appointed a range of contractors to carry out this essential work. They will carry Barwon Water identification cards.
Pipe rehabilitation
Our contractors use CCTV to monitor ageing sewer pipes in poor condition. After cleaning with high pressure water, structural liners are installed in the pipes to help reinforce them. In most cases, a polyester coated felt tube liner is inserted or pulled into the existing pipeline via the maintenance holes. It is then pressurised with air and hot water or steam is used to cure them in place for a tight fit. Basically we’re creating a pipe-within-a-pipe.
Planning and works
In most instances, work is completed above ground level. If the condition of the sewer pipe is deteriorated or there are blockages in the pipe, we may require excavation to avoid any sewage overflows. If this happens, our contractor will discuss this with you prior to starting work near your property.
If private property access is impacted due to the works, we will be in touch with those businesses or residents to discuss temporary access arrangements ahead of the works commencing.
Nature strips, pavement and roads affected by any work are restored within a few weeks. Any restoration work is coordinated with local councils.
Public facilities, such as schools and hospitals, are not compromised by replacement works.
Impact on residents and businesses
Prior to any construction work, affected customers are notified of:
- the scope of work
- hours of work
- estimated completion date
- any property access or reinstatement needs, and
- our contact details.
Work is usually completed during the day between 7 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday. If Saturday work is required, hours will be from 8 am to 1 pm.
To help support the movement of traffic, especially if the work location is in a high traffic area, sometimes we need to complete works at night. Night works are usually carried out between 7 pm to 5am Monday to Friday.
The sewer replacement and rehabilitation work takes approximately four weeks to complete per work site, with multiple visits to sites required during this time. Our contractors have several work crews working across our region, and crews may not always be on-site every day.
To protect pedestrians, motorists and residents, we erect barricades around our equipment, tools, storage facilities, and any works which might pose a hazard or safety risk. Our storage shed locations are coordinated with local councils to ensure minimal impact on local residents.
Works may impact on-street parking and residents will be notified if works affect property access. Traffic signs will be erected at either end of the works area, and traffic management staff are stationed at intersections or partial road closures.
