Melbourne sewerage network prepares for growing population

Yarra Valley Water has signed a five-year contract with Waternish Engineering and Service Stream to upgrade sewage and recycled water treatment plants across its entire service area.

Under the $10 million annual Treatment Plant Improvement Program, the two companies will deliver small to medium projects to upgrade existing infrastructure.

As Melbourne’s largest water corporation, Yarra Valley Water currently provides essential water and sanitation services to more than 2 million people and over 61,000 businesses. The water utility operates nine sewage treatment plants and three recycled water treatment plants in total; its Treatment Plant Improvement Program started in 2023 with a $1.2 million upgrade to the Kinglake West Sewage Treatment Plant.

“We’re looking forward to working with Waternish and our joint partner, Service Stream, to renew and upgrade our treatment plants to meet the needs of our growing community in the region,” said Yarra Valley Water’s Growth Futures General Manager, Bridie Fennessy.

“Waternish brings a wealth of experience from working in the South Australian water market and is growing its capacity in Victoria.”

Waternish Managing Director Simon White welcomed the partnership, saying it marks the first permanent presence for the company outside South Australia.

“This program really allows us to create a relationship with Yarra Valley Water. It is a refreshing partnership for us, and it forms the cornerstone of our Victorian expansion, and the beginning of us being able to duplicate what we have already achieved in South Australia,” he said.

The company is investing in new plant and equipment for the program and is working towards maximising procurement opportunities with local social enterprises.

Service Stream Managing Director Leigh Mackender said Service Stream was proud to continue its partnership with Yarra Valley Water. “By working together, we're building a stronger, more efficient and environmentally friendly water infrastructure for the communities we serve,” he said.

Image caption: Yarra Valley Water’s Upper Yarra Sewage Treatment Plant. Image courtesy of Yarra Valley Water.