Cleaner, more reliable water is giving Mallee farmers a much‑needed confidence boost as GWMWater rolls out its Clean Water Project to more rural areas.

Rural pipeline customers across the region rely on water from the Murray River, where quality can vary due to natural turbidity, blue‑green algae and blackwater events — issues that can disrupt supply and create challenges on farm.

The Clean Water Project addresses these problems by treating raw river water before it reaches customers, using processes including coagulation, flocculation and dissolved air flotation.

A pilot program in the Ouyen district, including upgrades at the Ouyen water treatment plant, supplied from Wemen, is already delivering strong results.

For many Mallee farms, pipeline water is primarily used for spraying broadacre crops, where poor water quality can block equipment and cost valuable time and money.

“Our water quality has been noticeably better,” Ouyen district farmer Deane Munro said.

“Our meters and filters aren’t getting blocked anywhere near as much, and the system is working much better.”

Mr Munro crops 10,000 hectares of pulses, lentils, barley and wheat each year just west of the Ouyen township.

“At the moment there’s two and a half sprayers going flat out, putting lots of tanks out a day,” he said.

“Having good quality water is really important for the quality of the spray job, and treating to reduce the impact of algae so our supply isn’t affected makes a big difference.”

Following the success of the pilot, Stage 2 of the Clean Water Project will be delivered through a joint investment of $13.56 million, including $5 million from the Australian Government through the National Water Grid Fund and $8.56 million from GWMWater. This next stage will expand water treatment to improve water quality for rural customers supplied by the Nyah, Piangil and Waranga Channel systems.

Once complete, the upgraded system is expected to treat about 1.8 gigalitres of water each year, benefiting more than 750 farms.

GWMWater Managing Director Mark Williams said the benefits extend well beyond cleaner water.

“By treating water before it enters the system, we’re reducing disruptions caused by algae and turbidity and giving customers greater confidence the water will be there when they need it most,” Mr Williams said.

“This isn’t just about cleaner water — it’s about giving farmers and families confidence in their future.”

For Mr Munro, that certainty is already influencing future plans, including a potential return to more intensive sheep farming.

“Knowing the quality is there makes a big difference when you’re making those decisions,” he said.

The treatment process uses several key steps to clean river water before it enters the pipeline. Coagulation involves adding compounds to help fine dirt, silt and algae particles clump together. During flocculation, gentle mixing forms larger particles that are easier to remove. Finally, dissolved air flotation introduces tiny air bubbles that lift the clumps to the surface so they can be skimmed off.

Pictured: Deane Munro at his farm near Ouyen, Victoria.