Towns to benefit from the works include Horsham, Natimuk, Dimboola, Minyip, Rupanyup, Rainbow, Birchip, Quambatook, Lalbert, Sea Lake, Ultima, Manangatang, Halls Gap, Great Western and Pomonal.

The cleaning works are part of GWMWater’s program to improve water quality in town supplies and will involve air scouring, where air is combined with water and passed through the mains to create turbulence that will remove sediment.

“Although some water is used during the cleaning process, it is considerably less than the alternative method of flushing with water alone. The proposed method is considerably more effective and will reduce the need for on-going flushing of mains, thereby saving water in the long term,” GWMWater Managing Director Jeff Rigby said.