The new Goldfields Superpipe is part of Victoria’s expanded Water Grid, delivering increased water supply to the Ballarat and Bendigo regions. The Superpipe has been implemented in conjunction with a range of other water saving initiatives – including improvements to the system to reduce water loss and increased use of recycled water.

Securing Water

The transfer of water will secure supplies for Ballarat and Bendigo for the next 50 years, catering for the consequences of drought, climate change and anticipated population growth.

The Superpipe has the capacity to deliver up to 18 billion litres drinking water a year to Ballarat and up to 20 billion litres a year to Bendigo.

The project was fast tracked and both Bendigo and Ballarat are now connected.

The Pipe Sections

The 46.5 kilometre Bendigo (Coliban Water) leg of the Goldfields Superpipe from the Waranga Western Channel near Colbinabbin connects with Lake Eppalock, from where water is piped to Bendigo’s Sandhurst Reservoir.

The 87 kilometre Ballarat leg (Central Highlands Water) runs from near the Sandhurst Reservoir to the White Swan Reservoir.

Funding

The Superpipe cost $278 million - $180 million for the Ballarat section and $98 million for the Bendigo section.

The Victorian Government contributed $101 million to the project and the Federal Government contributed $115 million. The remainder was funded by Central Highlands Water and Coliban Water.

Timing

The Goldfields Superpipe has been delivering water to Bendigo since September 2007 and to Ballarat since May 2008.

Construction began in February 2007 and was completed in May 2008.