Brushy Creek Recycled Water Project
What are we building?
- A 3.7-kilometre recycled water pipeline. This pipeline will start from our Brushy Creek Sewage Treatment Plant in Chirnside Park and go to our Plantes Hill Reservoir in Mooroolbark. It will be built in road reserves and under the road.
- A 2.1-mega litre recycled water tank at our Plantes Hill site. It will be built beside our existing drinking water tank.
- Two above ground ‘pressure reducing stations’. This equipment controls water pressure and flow. One will be located in Dorset Road and the other in Fletcher Road
- We’re also replacing 4 pumps within our Brushy Creek Sewage Treatment Plant and upgrading the existing communications networks.
Your water and sewerage services will not be affected during the works.
Why do we need to do this work?
Using recycled water saves precious drinking water and is important to ensure there’s enough drinking water in Melbourne in the future. A typical residential property with recycled water uses about 25% less drinking water on average.
It’s mandated by the State Government that new housing developments are built with recycled water connections. Recycled water is used instead of drinking water to flush toilets, water gardens, and wash cars and clothes.
Map showing areas to be serviced by the new recycled water infrastructure
Where will the pipeline go?
The pipe will run up Maroondah Highway, part of Fletchers Road and Manchester Road from our Brushy Creek Wastewater site in Chirnside Park to our Plantes Hill site in Mooroolbark. Most of the work will be beside of the road with 4 road crossings.
Map showing pipeline route from the Brushy Creek Sewage Treatment Plant to Plantes Hill Reservoir
How will the pipeline be built?
The pipeline will be built using a combination of open trench and ‘trenchless’ methods. Trenchless installation involves drilling or boring underground. Boring under paths, driveways and nature strips minimises disturbance to the ground, trees and vegetation above.
What can I expect during construction?
We’ll make every effort to limit disruption from building works but you may notice:
• Some noise from machinery and vehicles.
• Increased trucks and traffic in the area.
• Changes to traffic conditions. We’ll give you plenty of notice and keep you updated.
Our crews will work Monday to Friday, 7 am to 5 pm and some Saturdays from 8 am to 3 pm.
Will any trees be removed?
We’ve submitted a planning permit to Yarra Ranges Council to seek permission to remove up to 60 trees. Some trees are located along the pipeline route, and the majority are at the Plantes Hill tank site.
We’ve worked hard during design to avoid tree loss, and we’ll continue to work with our construction contractor to reduce this number where possible.
Who's delivering the work?
Our contractor, Aqua Metro, is delivering the work.
Who to contact
For more information contact Yarra Valley Water Project Manager Ken Singh
Phone: 9872 2467
Email: [email protected]
Project update
June 2025
We’re bringing recycled water to over 5,000 homes and businesses in parts of Chirnside Park, Croydon and Lilydale. To do this we’re building a new recycled water tank at our Plantes Hill site. Work will start in the coming weeks. Come along to our community pop-up in Lilydale to learn more about this part of the project and speak directly with the project team.
Community pop-up
8 am – 11.30 am
Tuesday 17 June 2025
Lilydale Lake Community Centre
435 Swansea Road, Lilydale
If this time doesn't suit you, feel free to call or email us — we're also happy to arrange a visit to your property and answer any questions. Contact Yarra Valley Project Manager Ken Singh on 9872 2467 or email [email protected].
May 2025
We’re bringing recycled water to over 5,000 homes and businesses in parts of Chirnside Park, Croydon and Lilydale.
We’re building a new recycled water tank and temporary site office at our Plantes Hill site. The tank:
• Will store around 2 million litres of water.
• Is 8 metres tall and 18 metres in diameter.
The size comparison between the new and existing tank is:
| Existing water tank | New recycled water tank | |
| Height | 15 metres | 8 metres |
| Diameter | 60 metres | 18 metres |
What can I expect during works?
While we make every effort to limit disruption, you may notice:
• Some noise from machinery such as welding machines and reversing trucks.
• Some dust from earthworks.
• Increased trucks and traffic in the area.
Our crews work Monday to Friday, from 7 am to 5 pm and some Saturdays from 8 am to 3 pm.
Your water and sewerage services will not be affected during the works.