Community
27 February, 2026
Lesson on water works at Charlton Probus
Probus learnt that during summer, Charlton consumes around 1.5 million litres per day—roughly equal to two swimming pools. One million litres are used for gardens and 0.5 million litres flow to the sewer system.
CHARLTON Probus Club’s February meeting featured guest speaker Rod McKee from GWMWater.
Mr McKee has dedicated 27 years to the organisation and currently serves as a Team Leader overseeing six staff based in Donald, St Arnaud, and Charlton.
His responsibilities include maintaining 65 pumps, 22 sewer pumps, and 15 pump stations, one of which—behind the Shire Hall—extends 14 metres underground.
“From 1914 to 1988, the town relied on the Currie Street water tank, designed by Sir John Monash,” he said.
“In 1985, this was replaced by the Mt Dooboobetic tank (off the golf course road), which holds 1.5 million litres and is located 40 metres higher than Charlton. The sewer system, to replace the septic system, began in 1966 and was completed in 1969.
During summer, Charlton consumes around 1.5 million litres per day—roughly equal to two swimming pools. One million litres are used for gardens and 0.5 million litres flow to the sewer system.
Mr McKee also discussed the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline, which replaced 17,500 km of inefficient open channels, which had previously lost up to 80% of water through evaporation.
Today, the system provides a secure and sustainable water supply to around 9,000 farms and 34 townships.
Environmental water now supports Jeffcott Swamps, Wooroonook Lake, and other nearby lakes.
Mr McKee said a farmer from Yeungroon who spent 20 of his 50 farming years carting water up to 50 hours per week, and Bomber Kelly originally helped construct the open channel system using horse-drawn teams.
Members learned about the GWMWater Customer Portal to track their water usage and identify potential leaks.
There were 38 members and two visitors at the meeting.
Members enjoyed a morning tea organised by Hospitality Officer Sue Walsh and her team, with scones with jam and cream in honour of Probus Australia’s 50th anniversary.
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