15 September, 2025
A sewer upsizing project in Kilmore has discovered a significant issue lurking beneath the surface – a pipe blockage caused by a build up of wet wipes - prompting Goulburn Valley Water to remind residents that only three things should ever be flushed down the toilet: pee, poo and paper.
This type of blockage is known as a fatberg - a rock-like mass formed from non-biodegradable items such as wet wipes, combined with fats, oils, and grease (FOG) that can block sewers.
Dr Steve Capewell, Managing Director of Goulburn Valley Water, said the discovery was a stark reminder of the impact household waste can have on essential infrastructure.
“Fatbergs are a serious issue. They form when people flush items that don’t break down, in this case a significant number of wet wipes, along with fats and oils that solidify in the pipes,” Dr Capewell said.
The discovery was made during ongoing works to replace a sewer main in Parade Street, Kilmore using a trenchless pipe bursting technique.
The project, which began two weeks ago and is expected to continue for another month, involves breaking out old underground clay pipes while simultaneously pulling new larger polyethylene pipe through the same alignment.
The Parade Street works are part of a sewer main replacement program aimed at improving the reliability and capacity of Kilmore’s wastewater network to meet the needs of the growing town.
About half of the project has been completed, with around 250 metres of pipe still to be replaced. Each pipe bursting session covers about 60 to 70 metres, and dry weather is essential to ensure the process runs smoothly while sewer service to customers is maintained during the works.
The trenchless pipe bursting technique being used is well suited to urban environments, as it minimizes disruption to gardens, driveways, and other surface structures.
While efficient and less invasive than traditional trench digging, the process can cause ground vibrations and a hammering noise during operation.
Some neighbouring residents have come out of their homes to see what was happening when the work caused the ground to shake in the immediate vicinity.
Goulburn Valley Water is committed to maintaining and upgrading essential services across the region.
The utility thanks Kilmore residents for their patience and cooperation during the works and asks people who might be near Parade Street in coming weeks to not be alarmed if they feel the ground shaking.
Goulburn Valley Water also encourages households to be mindful of what they flush, helping to prevent future blockages and protect the environment.
For more information on the project or tips on responsible waste disposal, visit www.gvwater.vic.gov.au.
