Barwon Water is investing in a range of technologies to make significant progress on its Towards Zero Spills Strategy. The strategy aims to reduce the number of sewer spills across its 2200-kilometre-long network, which covers areas such as greater Geelong, the Bellarine, Surf Coast and Colac.
Barwon Water invests more than $15 million annually to rehabilitate 25-30 kilometres of ageing sewer infrastructure every year using advanced relining technology. To date, more than 100 kilometres of sewer pipes have been successfully relined across the region, including several kilometres of major sewer mains with diameters exceeding 600 millimetres. These works significantly reduce infiltration and spills, while minimising disruption to customers.
By embracing new technology and data analytics, the authority is hastening the transition to reacting to disruptive and damaging spills, to proactively identifying and preventing issues before they occur. Trenchless techniques are also being applied in Barwon Water’s water main renewal program. A landmark achievement was the rehabilitation of a 388-metre DN463 feeder water main through relining – the first of its kind for the organisation.
Meanwhile, Horizontal Directional Drilling is being deployed on major projects such as the Colac pipeline upgrade works, where it helps protect waterways, wildlife, and areas of cultural sensitivity. Similar trenchless approaches on the Colac to Birregurra pipeline have further reduced habitat destruction and carbon emissions, contributing to a healthier environment.
These methods extend asset life while minimising surface disruption and environmental impact. In sensitive areas like the Federal Forest Reserve, trenchless construction is being adopted to protect local flora, fauna, and Cultural Heritage sites. The organisation’s collaborative approach invites contractors to propose innovative trenchless methodologies, fostering industry-leading advancements in safety, quality, and sustainability.
These trenchless approaches also align with Barwon Water’s Carbon Smart Framework, which guides infrastructure delivery teams in reducing Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. By avoiding traditional excavation and minimising material use, trenchless methods help lower embodied carbon and support the organisation’s roadmap to reduce Scope 3 emissions, those generated across the supply chain. This includes using low-carbon materials, optimising logistics, and designing for longer asset lifespans and circular economy outcomes.
With a culture of creativity, innovation, it is continually looking for improvements that enhance safety, quality and environmental stewardship and minimise customer impact.
Barwon Water is proud to be a strategic partner for this year’s conference. Scott Cavanagh, Head of Enterprise Project Delivery, will represent the organisation on the industry panel on day one. In addition, multiple Barwon Water employees will be attending the event and the associated training sessions, ensuring strong participation and knowledge sharing across the business. As a strategic partner of the conference, Barwon Water is proud to share its learnings and continue building industry partnerships that will shape the next generation of sustainable water infrastructure.