General News
11 January, 2025
Town water pipes were at a standstill
WATER standpipes in three towns were out of action for almost a week. Rural customers in Tarnagulla, Bealiba and Dunolly were forced to make 60km roundtrips to fill water tanks. Coliban Water blamed the standpipe closures on mains issues and...
WATER standpipes in three towns were out of action for almost a week.
Rural customers in Tarnagulla, Bealiba and Dunolly were forced to make 60km roundtrips to fill water tanks.
Coliban Water blamed the standpipe closures on mains issues and problems at the new $5 million water treatment plant at Laanecoorie.
The Tarnagulla and Bealiba standpipes re-opened last Thursday while Dunolly did not come back online until Monday, hours after fires at nearby Moliagul.
Coliban is believed to have told fire command on Sunday that the Dunolly standpipe could be activated if needed.
A Coliban spokesman said: “We experienced bursts in our water supply network across the last week, which impacted Coliban Water customers within Dunolly.
“At the same time, we have experienced challenges at the water treatment plant, which also impacted our ability to maintain supply to our water network. The two issues were coincidental and are not related.
“Despite these challenges, there were no changes to Dunolly’s water supply, and it remained safe to drink at all times.
“Temporarily closing standpipes helps us to maintain supply to Coliban Water customers in Dunolly while we complete the required repairs to the network.
“We understand the impact this can have on some members of the community and apologise for any inconvenience.
“The standpipes at Main Street, Bealiba and Poverty Street, Tarnagulla are now operational and open for public use.
“While the supply network in Dunolly continues to recover, the standpipe located at Thompson Street, Dunolly, remains closed for public use.”
Customers across the Coliban network were last weekend asked to mimimise water use as temperatures headed towards 40 degrees.
“This can cause spikes in demand for water, and customers may experience variable or low water pressure. You can help by considering how to minimise your water usage,” it said.