Coliban Main Channel blockage - Sedgwick
- Coliban Main Channel, Sedgwick
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.
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
Blue-green algae - Upper Coliban Reservoir
- Upper Coliban Reservoir
Low levels of Blue green algae has been detected at Upper Coliban Reservoir.
The reservoir is still open for on water recreation, but visitors should avoid contact with the water when fishing or boating.
Please refer to the Victorian Fisheries Authority for guidelines on fish consumption when blue-green algae is present.
While people and dogs are not permitted in the water at Upper Coliban Reservoir, if contact is made with the water please ensure you rinse with fresh water.
For additional blue-green algae water quality information visit here.