Kaniva Uncaps Historic Drinking Water Supply, But Cost Concerns Divide Community

A new era has dawned for the west Victorian town of Kaniva, which has finally connected to a mains drinking water supply after more than a century of reliance on alternative sources. While the move is a significant step forward for the Wimmera community, not all residents are ready to embrace the change, with concerns over potential increases in water prices sparking a local debate.

For generations, the approximately 900 residents of Kaniva, located 114 kilometres west of Horsham, made do without a potable town water supply. Households and businesses primarily depended on rainwater tanks or the town's bore water, which was classified as undrinkable. This made Kaniva a unique anomaly as the largest town in Victoria without a mains drinking water connection.

A Long-Awaited Connection

The landmark change occurred on June 26, when Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water (GWM Water) officially announced the availability of mains water. This was made possible by the completion of a pipeline connecting Kaniva to the Dimboola Water Treatment Plant, bringing treated, drinkable water directly to the town.

The absence of a reliable drinking water source presented ongoing challenges for residents. Dylan Feduniw, a local school teacher who moved to Kaniva in 2020, recalls his initial surprise. "It was a bit of a surprise," he shared, noting that the bore water in some parts of town had an unpleasant smell and was clearly unsuitable for consumption. Since then, Mr. Feduniw has been a vocal advocate for clean water access, highlighting the struggles faced by families with limited rainwater tank capacity during the region's hot, dry summers.

"Rainwater isn't always guaranteed, and the climate these days is so adverse that when it is dry… when those rainwater tanks run dry, families really struggle for drinking water and quite often they'll be purchasing water," Mr. Feduniw explained. He believes the new supply will significantly improve hygiene, enhance water security for all residents, and reduce operational costs for local businesses that previously had to transport water.

Benefits for Businesses, Savings for Some

Local businesses are among those set to benefit. Butcher Bob Bones noted that the new mains water would positively impact his operations. "Before, for our food safety plan, we had to do water testing four times a year, and that was as much as $100 a quarter," Mr. Bones stated. "So, that's a $400 saving even though the water will be dearer; it's a good thing."

Beyond cost savings, the quality of the new water also brings practical advantages. Mr. Bones added, "I'm quite happy for it, because for cleaning the glass and the stainless steel, it doesn't leave a residue. Before, it was very hard water with a lot of minerals in it; it would leave a lot of stains and stuff."

A Community Divided by Cost

Despite the clear advantages, the transition is not without its detractors. Taryn Carter, manager of the Kaniva Poolside Caravan Park, is among those opting to remain primarily on rainwater. "Living in town and having rainwater tanks, which we've had for years, I don't really need the new treated water," Ms. Carter explained, citing the existing infrastructure and the perceived cheaper cost of tank water.

Former Kaniva Lions Club president Malcolm Eastwood echoed these sentiments, identifying water prices as the primary concern for many residents. "People are expecting their water bills to probably double in price," he said. "No-one's been billed for the cost of that new potable water, but the billing will come out from now on. People are just concerned: what is the price going to be and how much is my bill going to go up by?"

GWM Water has clarified that households and businesses previously connected to the town's bore water supply will automatically transition to the new mains water. However, residents relying solely on rainwater who wish to access the new treated water will need to arrange for a connection. While some long-term residents are hesitant to switch due to cost, the new supply is a boon for those who relied on the bore water, such as caravan park residents, who previously had to cart or purchase their own drinking water.

Ultimately, the introduction of a drinkable mains water supply represents a significant public health and infrastructure upgrade for Kaniva. While the town grapples with adapting to this modern amenity and the associated costs, many believe it will foster a healthier, more secure future for the community.