Geelong water restrictions eased

Towns in the Greater Geelong region and on the Bellarine Peninsula are the next Victorian towns to be given some relief from water restrictions.

Barwon Water announced the region will move from Stage 4 water restrictions with exemptions to Stage 3 allowing residents to water their gardens for up to 8 hours a week – up from 2 hours a week currently.

Sporting grounds, bowling greens, cricket wickets, tennis courts and golf greens will also be able to be watered.

Investment by the Victorian Government in major water infrastructure projects has provided more security to the Geelong water supply.

Water has recently started to be sourced from the Anglesea Borefield which will provide up to 7 billion litres of water each year once complete.

Further water security will come through the Northern Water Plant which will recycle 2 billion litres of water a year, and the Melbourne Geelong Pipeline to connect Geelong to Melbourne's water supplies.

Premier John Brumby visited the Anglesea Borefield to welcome the announcement by Barwon Water.

Mr Brumby said the easing of water restrictions has only been possible because of record investment in water projects in the Geelong region and savings efforts by the community.

"The Borefield, together with the Melbourne-Geelong Pipeline and the Northern Water Plant will provide an additional 75 per cent of current demand and meet demand for population growth."

Stage 3 restrictions for the Greater Geelong region and Bellarine Peninsula will start from 1 March.

For more information on these projects and Stage 3 water restrictions visi the Barwon Water website.