Kew-Balwyn Water Main Upgrade complete

Yarra Valley Water has finished work on the Kew-Balwyn Water Main Upgrade. The once-in-100-year project will deliver a reliable and efficient water supply to 14,000 properties in the Kew to Balwyn area.

Yarra Valley Water Managing Director Pat McCafferty said the project is significant because it’s an upgrade to one of the main sources of water supply in the area.

“The pipework we’ve replaced was installed over a century ago during the height of World War One and was nearing the end of its life.

“This is a popular area for home-buyers, renters and businesses and it’s going to keep on growing. These works will ensure we’re able to keep up with demand and deliver a great service for years to come,” McCafferty said.

The $15.1 million water main upgrade was completed in two stages over several years. Stage one involved constructing almost 3 km of pipeline beneath the road surface from Denmark Street along Wellington Road, and Sackville Street to Kew Reservoir.

The second stage involved constructing a new 1.5 km water main from Kew Reservoir, along Mont Victor Road and Parkhill Road, and connecting to the existing network at Adeney Avenue.

The four-year project was challenging because of the built-up features of the area. Yarra Valley Water and its project partner, MFJ Constructions, worked closely with residents, businesses and local schools to minimise disruption.

Kew-Balwyn Project Manager at Yarra Valley Water Nick Coull said that keeping the community’s needs in mind was integral to the project’s successful completion.

“Our community focus along with MFJ Constructions’ extensive knowledge and experience enabled us to construct a new water supply pipeline down the middle of busy, suburban streets, and to stay engaged with the community so they knew what was involved and what to expect,” Coull said.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/winston