The routine cleaning program will be completed between May and July.

Coliban Water Chief Operating Officer Neville Pearce said works ensure customers continue to receive safe drinking water that meets the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

“The works will use a technique called air scouring that removes the natural build-up of sediment that occurs in water mains and, if not removed, can cause discolouration,” he said.

Air scouring involves sending a mixture of compressed air and water into the mains through one hydrant and out another.

The cleaning works for the Castlemaine network will commence on Thursday, May 10, in Fryerstown and Newstead and then move to the nearby towns of Maldon, Harcourt, Guildford, Elphinstone and Taradale.

Works will be carried out in Strathfieldsaye, Maiden Gully and Marong when the Castlemaine works have been completed.

Mr Neville said more than 235 kilometres of mains will be cleaned over seven weeks.

The works will result in some minor interruptions to customers’ water supply.

“We are notifying customers of the interruption times prior to the start of the works. Each affected property will be notified in the lead up to the works so they can store sufficient water for their needs and turn off the stop tap at their water meter during the works.

“We understand how an interruption to service can impact on customers’, so where possible we have taken into consideration the businesses and properties affected to schedule works at the most convenient time.

“Our crews will be working with schools and in some of the commercial areas we will be working overnight or during weekends.”