McCrae landslide

South East Water is taking a thorough and detailed approach to helping to investigate the cause of a landslide in McCrae on the Mornington Peninsula on Tuesday 14 January 2025.

We’ve had technicians on site every day and following a request from the SES, we’ve shut off our drinking water supply to the immediate impact area while investigations continue. 

We’ve implemented a temporary water supply for residents in surrounding properties impacted by the water shutdown.

South East Water started investigative works on 26 November 2024 after receiving a customer report of water surfacing in Waller Place, McCrae.  

At the request of Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, we expanded our investigations to include water surfacing at several locations in the area. We’ve conducted multiple site visits to determine the source of the water.

Water surfacing is when water beneath the ground rises. Water underground moves upward when there's pressure, or if it finds a pathway, like cracks in rocks or soft soil.

Preliminary data from our testing indicates the water on site is not water from South East Water’s network.

We’ve used a range of diagnostic measures to determine the source of the water. This has included flow tests, water source tests and pressure tests.

The water samples we’ve taken have been tested by an independent laboratory. These results indicate that the water is not from our water network. 

Investigation of our McCrae low level storage tank indicated no leakage at this tank.

We’ve also used acoustic and ultrasonic leak detection technology to listen to our underground pipes. We haven't been able to find a leak.  

We’re undertaking extensive leak detection works in the affected area, to assess if any of our pipes in the area are leaking water. This includes analysing water pressure and flow data.

It’s standard practice for us to investigate any water leaks reported to us that may be related to our water network. 

We’re also analysing water usage data in the impacted area and comparing it with historical data.

We’re working to determine the source of the water and the cause of this incident. Unfortunately, these tests take time to ensure accuracy. We’re sorry to everybody who is affected by this.

We look after water mains, pump stations and storage tanks. We also look after wastewater infrastructure such as sewer mains. 

We don’t look after stormwater systems or groundwater. 

Small-scale localised leaks have happened in this area in recent years. These leaks were minor and unrelated to the current water source in question. 

These leaks aren’t unusual and are common across all suburbs and water utility providers. 

We investigate and repair every leak reported to us. 

South East Water’s leak prevention performance remains strong. We aspire to catch every drop of water across our 13,000 km of water pipelines. 

Some ways to monitor for leaks include turning off all taps and appliances and monitoring your water meter for changes, checking your water bill and looking for signs of leaks around the home and garden.

The directive to cut off water supply was given by the SES to make it easier for technicians to investigate the cause of the incident. 

None of our infrastructure is damaged. 

The decision to turn on water supply will be made by the leading control agency, SES. However, we’re providing a temporary water source for everybody in the area. 

Please visit the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council website for more information. 

If you need support with your bills or more information, get in touch with our accounts team on 13 18 51, Monday to Friday between 8 am and 6 pm. Alternatively, you can email us at support@sew.com.au.

Our faults and emergency team are here to help. Give us a call on our 24-hour line 132812.

Our proactive leak detection monitoring has found no issues in nearby areas. 

Investigations are continuing and we’ll let the community know as soon as we have more information to share.