Last week’s torrential rain overwhelmed part of Kyneton’s sewerage network, causing a sewer pump station and nearby access point in Jeffrey Street to overflow.
The intense downpour inundated the pump station, leaving it unable to keep pace with the volume of stormwater entering the sewer system. As a result, both the pump station and a sewer access point further along Jeffrey Street overflowed.
Coliban Water said the overflow consisted largely of stormwater and precautionary signage was erected while crews responded to the incident.
A spokesperson said work began immediately to clean and disinfect the area surrounding the pump station, undertake water quality testing and complete the required environmental notifications.
The authority also moved to reassure residents after frothy water was seen in sections of the Campaspe River following the deluge.
“During heavy rainfall, runoff can wash accumulated organic matter, oils and tannins from roads, paths and nearby farmland into the Campaspe River,” the spokesperson said.
“This organic matter, combined with high water volumes, can create a frothy or bubbly appearance. This may have been visible at various points along the river and is unrelated to the sewer spill.”
Coliban Water acknowledged the community’s concerns about the town’s ageing infrastructure.
“Sewer spills are never ideal,” the spokesperson said.
“We understand community concerns about Kyneton’s infrastructure capacity during wet weather and the potential environmental impacts when spills occur.”
The incident comes as Coliban Water prepares for a major upgrade of the Jeffrey Street sewer pump station, scheduled to begin in 2027.
The works will include new underground storage tanks, a replacement pump and pump shed, and upgraded electrical switchboard and generator, with the improvements aimed at increasing the system’s capacity and resilience during future heavy rain events.
