Water mains cleaning – Air Scouring

Westernport Water conducts regular cleaning of water mains to maintain the delivery of safe, reliable and high‑quality drinking water to our customers and the wider community.

We will be undertaking water mains cleaning from 21 April to 30 April 2026, along selected streets in Cowes (West), Wimbledon Heights, Smiths Beach and Bass.

Schedule of works

Click the links below to view the schedule for each town.

Affected properties are listed in numerical and alphabetical order, by number and street name, and show the day and time the works will take place for each property.

Process

We use a process known as air scouring to clean the water mains.

Air scouring is a standard water industry practice that helps maintain water quality by removing naturally occurring sediment from inside water mains.

The process involves pushing compressed air and water through the pipes at high speed, with loosened sediment safely discharged through nearby hydrants.

Notification

Not all of Westernport Water’s customers will be affected.

Temporary water supply interruptions will occur only on affected streets during the cleaning. Our contractors will move progressively through each township as work is completed.

Customers whose properties are affected will receive direct notification ahead of time in their mailbox (or near their front door if a mailbox is not available).

Registered medical priority customers will be contacted directly via phone in addition to written notification.

A schedule will also be published on our Planned Works page (when available).

Please note that contractors may not always be visible on your street, as the works can be completed from a different location when the interruption takes place.

Impacts 

While air scouring is happening, you will be without water for approximately 2 hours. Specific times are outlined on individual interruption notices and in the schedules above.

Customers who require water during this time are encouraged to fill jugs, sinks, baths or containers before the supply is temporarily interrupted.

Customers are asked to:

  • turn off their stop tap at the water meter before the scheduled start time listed on their notice
  • avoid using taps or water‑using appliances during the interruption period.

When the water is back on

Once the cleaning is complete and supply is restored, water may initially appear cloudy. This is harmless and caused by fine air bubbles. The water will clear if left to settle in an open container or by running an outside tap for a short time. The water remains safe to drink.

Contact us

If you have special water supply needs or any questions about water mains cleaning, please contact our Customer Service Team on 1300 720 711.

Preventative maintenance programs such as air scouring play an important role in maintaining water quality and ensuring our network continues to meet the needs and expectations of our customers. Westernport Water thanks the community for its understanding and cooperation while these essential works are carried out.