The Hepburn Shire Council recently hosted David from Central Highlands Water at Lake Daylesford’s new Choose Tap water fountain installed at Chatfield Reserve.

David, who is project managing the Daylesford Water Supply Pipeline project, is pictured above with Lee, the council’s project manager responsible for the Chatfield Reserve improvement works.

Central Highlands Water (CHW) and Hepburn Shire Council have joined forces to continue installing water fountains in the region, as part of the Choose Tap program.

Located in Chatfield Reserve at Lake Daylesford, this latest water fountain will help reduce single-use plastic waste while providing easy access to quality drinking water.

With one single plastic water bottle taking up to 450 years to decompose in landfill, CHW is encouraging the community to ‘bring your own bottle’ (BYOB) and Choose Tap water over bottled water for health and the environment.

As part of the installation, thirsty four-legged friends, like Russell pictured above, will also have access to fresh drinking water with the push of a button through the inclusion of a dog bowl.

This includes the existing water fountain located at Burke Square in Daylesford, having been upgraded to include a new dog bowl, as it’s important our canine friends stay hydrated all year round.

Hepburn Shire Council Mayor, Brian Hood: “Hepburn Shire Council is pleased to continue its partnership with Central Highlands Water on the Choose Tap project.

“We are committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of our community, and these Choose Tap water fountains are an important initiative to help the community stay hydrated, while reducing the impact of single-use plastic bottle waste on the environment.”

Central Highlands Water Managing Director, Jeff Haydon: “CHW is dedicated to improving the health of the local community and are thrilled to continue joining forces with Hepburn Shire Council, so we can all play our part for the environment by making a sustainable choice and reduce single-use plastic bottle waste.”

Central Highlands Water earlier this week announced that Megan Collins has been appointed as its new Head of Water Supply Services.

Megan brings significant leadership and expertise, with in-depth knowledge of our business, having worked in various roles within CHW’s Laboratory team for 25 years.

As Head of Water Supply Services, Megan will now be responsible for leading and supporting the delivery of outstanding Water Supply Service outcomes to CHW customers and communities, through collaborative relationships, technological innovation and investment in water quality and security.

Central Highlands Water has reduced its environmental footprint by using solar to power its water and wastewater treatment plants, the local water manager says.
Since their installation in 2020, CHW solar arrays have generated enough electricity to
power 995 average households for a year. Electricity is generated from 6,336 solar panels at
5 of CHW’s water and wastewater treatment plants.
General Manager Infrastructure Planning and Operations, Paul Donohue, said, “The solar
arrays are generating around 40% of the power needed for 2 major treatment plants, making
our plants more energy efficient as part of our approach to a more sustainable future.”
“During 2022, 2,575 tonnes of carbon were avoided from grid electricity. The solar facilities
produced 3,029,000 kwh of electricity last year and through solar generation, 8,688 tonnes
of carbon (CO2) emissions have been avoided,” said Mr Donohue.
“Our commitment to customers over the next 5 years is that 100% electricity will come from
renewable sources by 2025. We will reduce total emissions by 55% by 2028 and be net-zero
by 2035,” he said.
This project is underpinned by CHW’s 2040 Strategy – setting our future ambition for the
region and outlining our vision of fostering sustainable living, thriving communities, and a
healthy environment.
The Victorian Government’s Statement of Obligations (Emission Reduction) commits the
water industry to sourcing 100% of electricity from renewable sources and achieving
net-zero emissions by 2035.
“We are striving to meet our zero emissions target earlier than 2035. We will achieve this
through energy efficiencies and sourcing 100% renewable energy, electrifying our corporate
fleet and reducing methane from wastewater treatment,” Mr Donohue said.
Victoria’s water sector is leading the way, being the first in Australia to commit to net-zero
emissions by 2035.

Central Highlands Water has donated $10,918, raised by team members, to
Water Aid Australia in recognition of World Water Day which took place on March 22.

The donation will support the important work Water Aid does in Papua New
Guinea, like the recently completed program in the Wewak District, focused on
increasing equitable and universal access to sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene
services.

The donated funds were raised by CHW team members through a workplace
giving program and a series of internal events, coordinated by a volunteer committee
of staff.