Eppalock pump station repaired

Coliban Water managing director Damian Wells said the pump station was damaged after it was swamped by 2.7 metres of floodwater in October 2022.

“While we carried out readiness work ahead of the flood, removing equipment and disconnecting power, a condition assessment completed after floodwater subsided identified significant damage to the pump station’s internal switchboards, pumps, and motors” Mr Wells said.

“As part of the Goldfields Superpipe Joint Venture, we worked closely with our partners and our operations and maintenance provider, Veolia, to restore the pump station to ensure it can better withstand the impacts of floods and extreme weather in the future.

“This improved flood resilience aligns with our broader recovery goal to ‘build back better’. The pump station is now also easier to operate and safer for those working in and around the site.

“To reach this point and see the works complete is fantastic news.”

Central Highlands Water managing director Jeff Haydon said the repairs improved safety and day-to-day operations, as well as providing water security for Ballarat and Bendigo customers.

“Central Highlands Water receives flows from the Eppalock Pump Station through to Ballarat via the 147-kilometre Goldfields Superpipe,” Mr Haydon said.

Mr Wells described the pump station as a complex and unique asset and said that many of the replacement parts could not be purchased off the shelf.

“We ordered custom-made parts from as far away as Canada, including variable speed drives to run the pumps.

“Other work included replacing 14 large glass windows with strengthened polycarbonate panel, upgrading electrical assets in our high voltage switch room, plus a new roller door and upgrades to the mezzanine floor.”

The Eppalock Pump Station provides a back-up water supply to Bendigo and Ballarat. While it was offline for repair, Coliban Water could supply water from Colbinabbin, if required.