The new Numurkah to Nathalia water supply pipeline will improve water quality and reliability for the township of Nathalia, providing a more consistent and long-term drinking water supply. This project will connect Nathalia’s water supply to the Numurkah Water Treatment Plant, enhancing water reliability for the community.

On this page:


APRIL 2025

Key project summary

  • A 25-kilometre pipeline will be built from Numurkah Water Treatment Plant to Nathalia Water Treatment Plant.
  • A new pump station and 500-kilolitre tank will be built at the Numurkah Water Treatment Plant to support the pipeline.
  • Construction starts by the end of 2025 and finishes by early 2027.
  • There will be no interruptions to water supply or pressure for Numerkah or Nathalia during construction.
  • The Nathalia Water Treatment Plant will be decommissioned, but key infrastructure, including the water tower, will remain.

About the project

Currently, almost 1,000 properties in Nathalia are supplied with drinking water from the Nathalia Water Treatment Plant, which treats raw water from Broken Creek. However, the quality of the raw water has become increasingly inconsistent due to climate change factors, leading to ongoing challenges in maintaining the supply.

To address this, a 25-kilometre water pipeline will be constructed from the Numurkah Water Treatment Plant to the existing Nathalia site, providing higher-quality and more reliable drinking water.

The pipeline will be constructed along Katamatite-Nathalia Road, with construction overseen by Goulburn Valley Water and consultant, Jacobs.

Construction is expected to begin by the end of 2025 and be completed by early 2027.

The project includes the construction of a new pump station and 500 kilolitre tank will also be constructed at the Numurkah Water Treatment Plant to facilitate the new pipeline.

The current Nathalia Water Treatment Plant will be decommissioned, but key infrastructure, such as pumping facilities and storage tanks, will remain operational. The old water tower on-site will also remain.

 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Where does Nathalia’s water come from now?

Nathalia's drinking water is currently supplied by the Nathalia Water Treatment Plant, which treats raw water from Broken Creek. 

Why is this project necessary?

The quality of water from Broken Creek is becoming increasingly unreliable due to climate change factors, making it harder to maintain a consistent water supply. 
This new pipeline ensures a more stable and sustainable water source for the community.

How will this change benefit Nathalia?

This upgrade will provide a consistent and reliable water supply for Nathalia well into the future, meeting the needs of a growing population projected for 2060.

Will there be interruptions to supply during construction?

No, there will be no interruptions to water supply or pressure during construction in Nathalia or Numurkah. Access to quality drinking water will continue as usual.

Will the water pressure change?

No, the water pressure will remain the same during and after construction in both Nathalia and Numurkah.

Will there be traffic interruptions during construction?

Yes, there may be some road closures and single-lane restrictions along Katamatite-Nathalia Road. Pipeline work will be completed in short stretches to minimise disruption. 

Landholders along the route will be notified of any temporary access issues. 

Some interruptions may also occur on nearby roads, including Waaia-Bearii Road, Naring Road, O'Kanes Road, and Allens Road.

Can I access water if I live along the pipeline route?

No, the pipeline is a transfer pipeline for water supply to Nathalia. Individual property connection is not being considered.

What will happen to the existing water treatment plant?

The plant will be decommissioned, but the water tower and storage tanks will remain for future use. The site will be rehabilitated following completion of the project.

Ask a question or get in touch

Do you have a question about this project that hasn't been answered above?

You can get in touch with us via:
Phone: 1800 454 500
Email: mail@gvwater.vic.gov.au
Online: Ask a question online