27 August, 2025
Goulburn Valley Water has commenced construction of a new 7.5-kilometre pipeline that will transfer treated drinking water from the Numurkah Water Treatment Plant to Katunga.
Goulburn Valley Water Managing Director Dr Steve Capewell said the project is a direct response to community feedback about water quality in Katunga.
“While Katunga’s groundwater supply meets all criteria of the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, it’s unique composition, particularly in relation to calcium and hardness levels, means it can affect certain household appliances” Dr Capewell said.
“This new pipeline will deliver high-quality treated drinking water from Numurkah directly to Katunga, improving water quality for residents and supporting long-term health and infrastructure outcomes.”
Trenching works began recently outside the Numurkah Water Treatment Plant on O’Kanes Road, with contractors now entering a fourth week of activity along Numurkah-Katunga Road. The project also includes a new pump station and a 900-kilolitre storage tank at the Numurkah Water Treatment Plant.
Girdwood Contracting Pty Ltd has been contracted by Goulburn Valley Water to deliver the construction works, using a Barber Green bucket wheel trencher - an iconic piece of equipment that has been in operation for nearly 30 years.
Up to 20 workers are on site at any one time, with traffic management in place to ensure safety for both crews and road users.
Motorists travelling along Katunga-Numurkah Road are advised to expect temporary lane closures as trenching begins in the road reserve.
Sections of Katunga-Numurkah Road will be reduced to one lane for stretches of up to 300 metres at a time, as trenching progresses. Motorists are urged to observe reduced speed limits of 40km/h and follow signage and directions from traffic controllers.
Despite the scale of the works, Goulburn Valley Water has confirmed there will be no interruptions to water supply or pressure for customers in Numurkah or Katunga during construction. The project is expected to be completed by late 2025.
“We appreciate the community’s patience as we carry out these essential works. This is a significant investment in the future of our northern water network, and we’re excited to be delivering it,” Dr Capewell said.
The works are being staged to minimise disruption, with close coordination between Goulburn Valley Water and Moira Shire Council.
In addition to trenching, contractors are undertaking complex boring operations beneath Goulburn-Murray Water channels and property entrances along the pipeline route.
Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time while works are underway.
