Coliban Main Channel blockage - Sedgwick
- Coliban Main Channel, Sedgwick
Update: Wednesday 18 March
Wirths Tunnel update:
We have installed a temporary bypass pump, allowing us to continue supplying customers for the remainder of the current rural water season.
When the supply season is complete, we will undertake the work required to clear the tunnel.
Our team is now scheduling existing orders and will contact customers.
Final orders for the season can be placed until 2.30pm on Friday 24 April 2026.
Update: Tuesday 10 March
We are installing a temporary pump to bypass a blockage in Wirths Tunnel, enabling us to reinstate supply for customers. We expect this solution to be in place by Friday 13 March.
Clearing work will then be carried out following the current 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 the work required to clear Wirths Tunnel blockage will be complex and time consuming. This is due to the location and extent of the blockage.
As a result, we are working to provide a temporary supply using a pump to bypass the blockage and resupply customers. 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 we are now seeking support from contractors to unblock Wirths Tunnel.
This is due to the location of the 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.
Pipeline construction – Maiden Gully
- Maiden Gully
We are continuing construction of the Maiden Gully to Marong Pipeline in Edwards Road and in the easement between Edwards Road and Glenelg Drive in Maiden Gully. Works are also ongoing on the easement between Edwards Road and Rocky Rises Road.
Construction in Edwards Road will continue until late April and will include some traffic management including one lane being blocked at times. This change to traffic conditions helps us complete our work safely.
During peak hours, we will monitor the traffic flow and adjust the traffic management accordingly. Outside of business hours the lights will be run automatically.
Works in the easement between Edwards Road and Glenelg Drive will continue until May with the pipeline joining the previously installed water main that makes up the Maiden Gully to Marong Pipeline.
We may need to temporarily close some sections of the easement during works. This means you may see temporary fencing installed for safety before we start the works.
We will work to reopen sections of the reserve where possible, only closing the areas where we’re working. You will still be able to access your property as normal.
All our works will be completed on weekdays between 7am and 5.30pm.
Please take care when driving in the area and follow any traffic management that is in place.
We apologise for any inconvenience.
For full details of works and project information visit connect.coliban.com.au/maiden-gully-marong-pipeline
Taste and Odour - Pyramid Hill
- Pyramid Hill
Your water is safe to drink.
We are aware some customers in Pyramid Hill are noticing changes in the taste and odour of their water.
We want to assure you that your water is being regularly tested and remains safe to drink. However, we appreciate the changes to taste and odour are not ideal, and we are working quickly to ensure it is back to normal as soon as possible.
Further information on how hot weather can impact your drinking water can be found here.
Please continue to check this page for the latest updates, or call us on 1300 363 200.
Boat ramp closed to larger vessels – Upper Coliban Reservoir
- Upper Coliban Reservoir
The Premier Mine Road boat ramp at the Upper Coliban Reservoir will be closed from 5 January 2026 until further notice to larger vessels that cannot be carried to the water.
This is due to releases from the Upper Coliban Reservoir that will reduce water levels in the boat ramp area.
Vessels that can be carried to the water – such as kayaks and canoes – are still permitted to use on the reservoir.
This restriction will remain in place until water levels increase at the reservoir.
Please note a blue-green algae alert remains in place at the Upper Coliban Reservoir. Visitors should avoid contact with the water.
For more information visit https://coliban.com.au/about-us/our-reservoirs/upper-coliban-reservoir
Water meter maintenance - Epsom and Huntly area
- Epsom and Huntly area
Our staff and contractors (S&R Engineering and Construction) are carrying out maintenance checks on water meters in the Epsom and Huntly area.
Work will take place on weekdays between 8.30am and 5.00pm and are expected to continue until late March.
Each visit may require a 5-10 minute water interruption.
| What is involved? |
• Crews will visit properties to service water meters. |
| What if I’m not at home? |
If you are not home, and no water is being used, the work will proceed. |
| Water quality | Maintenance may temporarily affect water appearance, such as air bubbles. If this happens, run your taps until clear. If issues persist, contact us. Your water remains safe to drink. |
If you have any questions or concerns, please phone our Customer Support Team on 1300 363 200.