The Goulburn Valley Water standpipes will be upgraded to implement a waist-level access point, smart metering, credit and debit payments and solar panels.
A standpipe in Karook St, Cobram, was recently opened on February 7 with the old site at Mill St to be decommissioned.
A number of sites will be upgraded across the region including Florence St in Shepparton, and sites at Numurkah, Nathalia and Mansfield.
A schedule for upgrades at Euroa, Delatite Rd in Seymour, Kilmore, Rushworth, Nagambie, Daldy Rd in Shepparton, Tatura and Alexandra will be finalised soon for completion by June 30.
Standpipe sites in Euroa and Tatura will also be relocated to improve access and eliminate safety concerns.
GVW project co-ordinator Ian Matheson said the upgrades aimed to make it easier and faster for people to access the standpipes.
‘‘The new system will allow people to access the standpipe instantly, rather than waiting to be approved,’’ he said.
‘‘The access from the new standpipe is much safer compared to the overhead-fill systems, and will reduce the amount of paperwork that needs to be completed.’’
GVW will supply guides for existing and new users, as well as access swipe cards if required.
The $748000 upgrade project is expected to be completed in 2020.
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