Bendigo's sewage treatment plant is one of 25 sites used for testing wastewater to detect the presence of the novel coronavirus.
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The state government says the initiative - which is part of a wider Australian and New Zealand sewage surveillance project - can detect the presence of the virus in communities where there are no new cases.
People who have had COVID-19 can shed the virus or virus fragments in their stool, on used tissues, and from their skin when washing.
Wastewater testing in Apollo Bay recently revealed the presence of novel coronavirus fragments, which has led to a renewed focus on testing in that area.
Fragments could come from someone with the virus, or someone who has already recovered from the virus, as they can continue shedding for weeks.
Further testing is necessary to determine the significance of the presence of the virus in wastewater.
"Wastewater testing may be able to give us early warning that coronavirus is in a community and the head start we need for early detection and preventive action," Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said.
Premier Bendigo Daniel Andrews revealed at his daily press conference on Wednesday that Greater Bendigo had no new COVID-19 cases and two active cases.
Overall, there are 82 active cases in regional Victoria, with seven new cases.
The rolling 14-day daily new case average for regional Victoria was now five, Mr Andrews said, while overall the state's average was 80.2.
Mr Andrews said the numbers in regional Victoria remained low and the numbers were "very encouraging".
A 14-day daily case average below five and no cases of unknown source for two weeks must be achieved before regional Victoria can move to the 'third step' of the government's reopening plan.
Victoria has recorded 76 new COVID-19 cases in the 24 hours to Wednesday, as well as 11 deaths.
One woman in her 60s, three women and two men in their 80s, and three women and two men in their 90s have died.
Nine of these deaths were linked to aged care outbreaks.
Across the state there are 1622 active cases.
More than 4300 COVID-19 cases have come from an unknown source, seven fewer than Tuesday.
There have been more than 2.4 million test results received in Victoria to date, representing an increase of 16,686.
Mr Andrews renewed his plea for anyone with even mild symptoms to come forward for testing as soon as their symptoms begin.
Department of Health and Human Services testing commander Jeroen Weimar said almost 90 per cent of test results were returned within a day.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
