What happened

Rochester was severely impacted by the 2022 floods, with almost every house in the town impacted.

We were able to continue to provide safe drinking water, thanks to the flood wall protecting the Water Treatment Plant.

11 of the 13 sewer pump stations in the town were inundated. Our Rapid Assessment Teams hit the ground quickly and restored full service to the town.

map of rochester

How we're building back better

We are investigating what is required to raise all electrical cabinets above 2022 peak flood levels.

A prototype of an automatic rising electrical cabinet, which could be raised during floods, has been built. Investigation is now underway into developing more.


November 2025 update:

$10.22 million has been allocated by the State and Federal Government as part of the Disaster Ready Fund to safeguarding flood prone infrastructure in the Coliban network. Part of this funding will be used to retrofit 10 sewer pump stations in Rochester to allow for their electric systems to be raised above flood waters. This will ensure in the event of a flood, essential wastewater services can be brought back online much faster.

Campaspe Shire Council Rochester Flood Study

The Campaspe Shire Council is conducting a Rochester Flood Study, which will review previous mitigation proposals and explore new options in the case of future flood events.

More information can be found on the Campaspe Shire Council's website.

Rochester Flood Wall

The 2011 floods resulted in significant impacts for customers in Rochester, after our Water Treatment Plant was inundated. Customers in the town were without water supply for almost six weeks as repairs were undertaken. As a result of this event, we constructed a two metre high concrete wall around the Plant to protect it from future flooding. The October 2022 flood event was the first true test of the wall and we are pleased to call it a success, with the Plant protected from the floodwater and able to continue to safely treat and supply the Rochester community with clean drinking water, and no interruption to customers.
Rochester flood wall construction
Rochester flood wall construction
Rochester flood wall construction
Rochester flood wall construction
Rochester flood wall construction
Rochester flood wall construction