Yarra Valley Water Mains Renewals

VIC
Yarra Valley Water
2001 - 2024

For 23 years, Abergeldie delivered the Yarra Valley Water Mains Renewals program, supporting the replacement of ageing potable water infrastructure to improve network reliability and customer supply security across Melbourne’s northern and eastern suburbs. The program helped maintain a reliable water supply for more than 2 million residents and 58,000 businesses across the YVW service area every day.

In 2024, YVW combined its Water Mains Renewals and Sewer Mains Renewals programs into the Yarra Valley Water Delivery Reliability Program, bringing together these renewal activities under a single integrated delivery program.

Scope of works

The works included: 

  • Design and construction of water reticulation mains using on-line and off-line replacement methods: trenching, directional drilling, pipe cracking, and lining.
  • Provision of temporary water supply services for potable and recycled water.
  • Supply of materials and provision of permits.
  • Liaison with stakeholders.
  • Traffic management.
  • Reinstatement and provision of as-constructed drawings.
Abergeldie Water Solutions and Yarra Valley Water

Navigating complexities for shared success

Spanning more than 4,000km² from Wallan in the north to Warburton in the east, YVW’s service area includes more than 20,000km of water and sewer mains. The program involved renewals of varying sizes and complexities, from simpler works in outer suburbs to more complex projects in densely populated residential areas. Works were delivered across both greenfield and brownfield environments, requiring the team to navigate diverse terrains, geotechnical challenges and cultural heritage considerations.

Consistent delivery, clear communication and effective stakeholder management were key to successfully delivering the program. Ongoing training and supervision supported high-quality outcomes throughout the program.


Maintaining reliable water services

Abergeldie’s PureFlow™ temporary water supply system helped maintain customer water supply during renewal works by seamlessly connecting to the existing network, allowing sections of the existing supply to be decommissioned while maintaining a clean, safe and reliable water source. Where temporary water supply limitations existed, customer impacts were minimised through innovative design solutions, including line-stop devices and strategic scheduling of connection works.

The approaches developed through the Water Mains Renewals program continue to support delivery of the Yarra Valley Water Reliability Program, where innovative methods such as PureFlow™ are used to renew ageing water infrastructure while minimising disruption to customers. The Reliability Program is continuing to strengthen network reliability and support a reliable water supply for residents and businesses across the YVW service area.