Wattle Creek emergency water supply upgraded

Published on 11 June 2025

Central Highlands Water (CHW) and Pyrenees Shire Council (PSC) have partnered to upgrade the Wattle Creek emergency water standpipe.

This vital community infrastructure plays a crucial role in supporting residents, particularly during times of dry weather and increased water demand. The upgrade aims to enhance reliability and access for the community, ensuring a more resilient response during emergency or drought conditions.

The project was initiated due to the deteriorating condition of the previous standpipe, which was originally constructed in the early 1980s. After decades of service, the ageing infrastructure was no longer fit to meet the current or future needs of the community.

The Wattle Creek standpipe is part of a statewide network of emergency water supply points, established to support stock and domestic water needs during periods of severe drought and surface water shortages. It draws raw groundwater from a 50-metre-deep bore. As the water is untreated, it is not suitable for human consumption or potable use.

The new standpipe infrastructure has been designed to a consistent standard with other PSC emergency water supply sites and comprises multiple new assets, including a bore pump and motor, electrical board, two tanks (totalling 45 kilolitres capacity) and pipework connections.

The upgrade increases the effective tank storage on site by more than 25 kilolitres and will improve the safety and longevity of the site as a source of emergency water supply.

These improvements have been jointly funded, with financial and in-kind involvement of over $100,000. The ongoing site operations, maintenance and control of this new asset will be managed by PSC. All public enquiries about the standpipe, including water permit requirements for users accessing the site, should be directed to the Pyrenees Shire Council on 1300 797 363.

Quotes attributable to Paul Donohue, General Manager of Infrastructure, Planning and Operations at Central Highlands Water

“This is a much-needed upgrade for the Wattle Creek community, and our continued collaboration with the Pyrenees Shire Council is a positive outcome for the reliability of this important water source and the sustainability of the water supply in the region.”

“The Wattle Creek standpipe has now been returned to the Pyrenees Shire Council for ongoing maintenance and operations. We are pleased to be handing the asset back in a sound and secure condition.”

“The investment in maintaining and improving this valued community asset will ensure a resilient and sustainable water supply during dry times, when the water is most needed.”

Quotes attributable to Jim Nolan, CEO at Pyrenees Shire Council

“The Wattle Creek emergency water supply asset is vital to our largely rural region during the current drought conditions, and we thank Central Highlands Water for their assistance in helping bring this asset to the high standard of our other emergency water supply sites.”

“A sustainable water supply with an improved greater raw water storage is essential in these tough times, particularly for our farmers.”