Water Main Replacement Program

Goulburn Valley Water / Projects / Current Projects / Water Main Replacement Program

Goulburn Valley Water has an ongoing program to replace ageing water pipelines that are susceptible to ground movement and cracks, leading to leaks.

Water pipeline replacement is necessary to ensure a reliable supply of water to customers and a high level of service. Determining which mains are due for replacement is done by looking at the condition of the pipeline and its history of failures. Usually, replacement is triggered if the main experiences three failures in 12 months.

The program is part of our five year Water Plan outlined to the Essential Services Commission. More than $13 million will be spent upgrading water mains during the 2023-28 period.

Works can take 3-8 weeks to complete, depending on the length of pipe and the complexity of the job. During this time there are only very short periods (usually about two hours) when customers’ supply can be interrupted, usually when the new pipeline is being commissioned.

Fair Street pipeline replacement project

MAY 2025 | Major works on the Fair Street Water Main Replacement project have now been completed. All properties are connected to the new water main, temporary services have been removed, and nature strips have been reinstated.

Final site clean-up, including depot removal and minor reconnection works, will continue through mid-May.

The project has been delivered with minor delays to schedule, and air quality monitoring confirming no asbestos fibres were detected.

A resident survey will be issued to gather feedback on the project.

ABOUT THE PIPE REHABILITATION TRIAL

We are trialling a new product to safely treat the old pipeline in Fair Street as we replace and rehabilitate it.

The existing pipeline is made from asbestos cement, which was commonly used to build pipes before 1950. The pipeline safely transports water when it is in the ground but when it is being removed, broken pipeline can be hazardous as it can dry out away from the surrounding soil and there is a risk of asbestos fibres entering the atmosphere.

The new product we are trialling will hold all the broken pipeline in place so it does not cause any harm to workers or residents. The water supply pipeline located under the nature strip, will be isolated during the works, so that the surrounding area is kept safe.

Staff working on the site will be dressed in protective equipment. This a precaution to make sure everyone is kept safe. The work team will be doing daily air testing to make sure the site and surrounding area remains safe.

The works are being conducted by lead contractor Ashworth Demolition. They will work with our staff and be supported by Rankin Plumbing, R&R McClure Excavations and WSP to replace and rehabilitate the pipe and monitor the area for safety.

Worksafe, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and the Greater Shepparton City Council have all been notified that the replacement trail is taking place. Worksafe is in the process of approving the works to be undertaken.

The product being trialled is called EncapsulAC.

PROJECT UPDATE - WEDNESDAY 9 APRIL

Rehabilitation of the water pipeline all along Fair Street has now been completed and successfully flushed and disinfected. Testing of water quality samples from the new pipeline is underway.

The project remains on track to move all affected customers from temporary water services to the rehabilitated pipeline supply before Easter.

Customers will be notified by text in advance of any water supply interruption during the changeover. They will also receive a notification when temporary water services are switched over to the rehabilitated pipeline supply.

PROJECT UPDATE - THURSDAY 27 MARCH

The new pipe installation was completed along Fair Street yesterday. Works are continuing to install new fittings and services to the rehabilitated pipeline.

The project is on track to be completed by the middle of next week. By this time, all water services should be reconnected to the new pipeline. Customers will be notified by text message when their temporary water services will be switched over.

Air samples taken by specialist contractors continue to be assessed as clear.

Please email GVWCommunications@gvwater.vic.gov.au if you would like more information or have any questions.

PROJECT UPDATE - TUESDAY 18 MARCH

Approximately half the water main rehabilitation works are now in place along Fair St. Testing around the site shows that the works are not causing any air quality problems - it remains good.

Residents can use footpaths around the fenced off work site but we ask people to please make sure vehicles are moved off Fair Street during the day as works progress.

Works will continue on Wednesday, with traffic interruptions likely on the corner of Vaughan and Fair Street in the morning.

There will be water interruptions for residents in Sobroan Street tomorrow, as well as some traffic interruptions. Ashenden Street will remain open.

Thanks to residents on and around Fair Street for your patience during the works.

PROJECT UPDATE - FRIDAY 14 MARCH

Project preparation has started for the project and is progressing well.

Part of Vaughan St was closed Thursday and a section of Ashenden St will be closed during part of Friday 14 March, as water pipelines are disconnected so a section of the pipeline start to be replaced.

Temporary water supplies have been set up for all impacted residents - thanks to all residents for your support keeping vehicles off Fair St where works are being carried out.

Temporary fencing will be up today around the site where the pipe replacement works are starting. You may notice workers and visitors to the site wearing protective equipment as they undertake the works.

Streets should all be accessible over the weekend.