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    ON TAP: GWMWater mascot Phil the Bucket watches on as GWMWater managing director Mark Williams, Elmhurst local Geoff Penna, GWMWater board chair Caroline Welsh, Member for Ripon Martha Haylett and Ararat Rural City Council Mayor Jo Armstrong unveil Elmhurst’s new drinking water fountain to commemorate the successful completion of upgrading the town’s water supply with drinking water.
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Elmhurst water connection celebration

For the first time in its history, the township of Elmhurst, northeast of Ararat, will be able to access treated drinking water from the tap.

Victorian Water Minister Gayle Tierney last week announced the completion of the $3-million Elmhurst Drinking Water Supply project connecting the town to Grampians Wimmera Mallee, GWM, Water’s supply network.

The project involved the construction of the Elmhurst Water Treatment Plant, GWMWater’s first completely off-grid water-treatment facility.

At an unveiling ceremony of a public drinking fountain outside Elmhurst Mechanics Institute Hall, GWM Water chair Caroline Welsh said the plant was the largest of its type in Australia.



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Also attending the opening was Elmhurst resident Geoff Penna who recalled when the town was connected to the electrical grid in 1954.

Ms Tierney said the project would have an array of benefits for the town.

“Elmhurst residents will no longer have to rely on rainwater tanks and bottled water for drinking, washing their vegetables and brushing their teeth,” she said.

“The new Elmhurst Water Treatment Plant is an innovative solution to provide drinking water to smaller regional communities without putting additional pressure on customers’ water bills.”

The award-winning treatment plant features an 85 kilowatt solar array and battery storage, which provides enough renewable energy to power the treatment process, as well as a back-up generator if needed.

Ararat Rural City Council Mayor Jo Armstrong said residents would no longer need to depend on rainwater tanks, with clean drinking water now available all year round.

“Our region has faced significant challenges in recent times, including prolonged drought conditions and, of course, the devastating bushfires,” she said.

“Recent delays in crucial infrastructure projects have unfortunately exacerbated the impact of these events, highlighting the need for reliable water connectivity.

“But the resilience shown by our community has been truly remarkable, making us stronger, more united, and better prepared for the future. 

“I look forward to seeing the positive effects of this upgrade on our community.”

The next township in line to receive a drinking water connection through GWMWater will be Moyston.

GWMWater representatives have spoken to landholders along the pipeline route, and anticipate publishing a tender call-out in March.

The entire February 5, 2025 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!