The new 132-kilometre pipeline will run from Warracknabeal to Sea Lake, via Brim, Beulah, Hopetoun and Woomelang.

GWMWater managing director Mark Williams said construction might start next month.

“The option of a pipeline was evaluated against the cost of building water treatment plants in the towns and treating water locally and proved to be the most cost effective solution,” Mr Williams said. 

“The provision of drinking water is being reinstated in the towns of Beulah, Brim and Woomelang that were downgraded to regulated supplies in 2011.

“This is a great initiative that is being welcomed by our customers.

“Not only does it provide these townships with drinking quality water, it has the potential to attract newcomers and business to the towns.” 

Mr Williams said the water authority would source the pipeline water from Lake Bellfield and would treat it to Australian Drinking Water Guidelines at the Warracknabeal Water Treatment Plant.

“GWMWater has been working with rural landowners along the proposed route in readiness for contractor Mitchell Water Australia to commence works as early as February 2018,” he said. 

Mr Williams said once the drinking water supply had been declared, Brim, Beulah, Sea Lake and Woomelang would move from a non-drinking water supply or partially treated water supply tariff to a potable (drinking) water supply tariff.

He said this was in line with other towns including Horsham, Warracknabeal and Birchip receiving potable water.

Mr Williams said project updates would be available via www.gwmwater.org.au and via the water authority’s social media channels.

He said people wanting more information could phone GWMWater’s Customer Call Centre on 1300 659 961 during business hours.