Coliban Water has completed its immediate flood recovery works and has estimated its costs could tally to as much as $10 million.

Managing Director Gavin Hanlon said customers in 15 of Coliban Waters 49 towns were impacted by the flooding earlier this year.

 

“Our focus was on customers and returning their water and sewer services – then it turned to our behind the scenes works to get everything operating as normal,” Mr Hanlon said.

 

Recovery works in all flood impacted towns has now been completed, following some minor delays with further flooding in early February.

 

“The repair list has been significant, ranging from new electrical equipment through to re-building pipelines and replacing pumps that were washed away.

 

“Once the initial flood event had passed we immediately developed a recovery program for our region, looking at the short, medium and long term needs.

 

“We are now investigating long term options to provide greater protection of assets in the event of future flooding,” Mr Hanlon said.

 

He said the estimated $10 million cost includes operational and capital costs to date plus anticipated costs for further works and asset write-offs that will be required as a result of the flood damage.

 

“We were faced with complete inundation of assets, with some completely washed away. Networks were unable to operate and some customers were without water and sewer services for a number of days.

 

“Boil water notices were put in place for six of the 15 towns with 242,840 bottles of water, about 195,000 litres, delivered to customers for drinking and cooking purposes.

 

“We had 14 water tankers also in operation for over a month, carting a total of 3,400 megalitres of water to supply customers and replenish town supplies,” Mr Hanlon said.

 

Mr Hanlon said the cost will be funded through the Corporations existing capital program.