Darebin Sewer Project
Our findings will help us plan a new sewer pipeline to ensure our network has capacity to meet future growth and reduce the risk of spills into local waterways.
What was involved?
Our investigations commenced in May and were completed by September 2025.
Checking for existing services
We used specialist scanning equipment and radars to detect water, sewer, gas, telecommunications and electrical underground services. Generally, this work took less than a day at each site.
Non-Destructive Digging
When existing underground services were identified close to our borehole investigation sites, we used a vacuum truck with a high-pressure water jet to expose them and record the location details. This work usually took less than a day to complete.
Geotechnical investigations - boreholes
A drill rig iwas used to create a narrow, vertical borehole up to 50 metres deep. Depending on the location, grpound conditions and weather these investigations took up to 2 weeks to complete. Soil and rock samples are removed for analysis and testing.
At some sites we installled a groundwater monitoring bore that will remain in place so we can check groundwater levels over time.
What's next?
We need to analyse and test the soil and rock samples that were removed from each of the borehole sites and continue to monitor groundwater levels.
Over the next 12 to 18 months, we will complete ecology surveys and cultural heritage investigations.
When we have assessed the findings from these investigations and studies, we can progress options and plans for constructing a new sewer from Reservoir to Bundoora - and share information with Councils, government authorities and the community.
Map of the investigation sites
View map of Darebin Sewer Project investigation sites
Read our Project Notice_May 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When will your investigations start?
Once we’ve received the necessary permits and approvals, we can schedule our specialists to begin work.
Why are you completing these investigations?
We are planning to construct a new sewer pipeline from Reservoir to Bundoora.
Our existing sewer network is nearing capacity, and these ground investigations will help us plan for the new pipeline that will ensure our network has capacity to service future growth and reduce the risk of spills into local waterways.
Why will these investigations take so long to complete?
We have 2 crews to undertake this work, and 14 sites to investigate. We will be staggering the work over a few months to allow all the sites to be completed.
Depending on the ground conditions, the longest we expect to be at each site is 2 weeks. Each site will have slightly different needs, and how long we spend there will depend on the local conditions.
Why are you drilling near my property?
The location of each borehole site has been selected due to its proximity to a potential sewer alignment. Where possible we have tried to select sites that have minimal impact on property owners, neighbours and the community. Most of our investigation sites are within open space reserves, parklands or road reserves.
If you are concerned about our planned work, please contact the project team on 13 27 62 or email [email protected]
Where will the new sewer pipeline go?
Before we can decide where the new sewer pipeline will be located, we need to complete these investigations and analyse the findings to have a better understanding of the ground conditions.
Contact us
For more information about these works:
Phone: 13 27 62
Email: [email protected]