SOUTH East Water’s major upgrade at Mount Martha Water Recycling Plant has passed a key milestone towards delivering a more resilient and sustainable wastewater service for the Mornington Peninsula’s growing population.
Upgrade operations have completed the base slabs of the two new clarifier tanks that are being constructed to relieve capacity constraints in the secondary treatment system.
Clarifier tanks are large tanks or basins designed to remove solids from water by settling.
Once the clarifier upgrade is fully completed, the wastewater treatment plant will become more resilient to severe weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall, which can put additional pressure on the plant.
With the population in Mount Martha, Mount Eliza, Mornington, Somerville, Baxter, and Pearcedale projected to increase by 49% by 2050, upgrades to the Mount Martha facility will ensure the continued reliability of essential services for both current and future customers.
South East Water General Manager Liveable Water Solutions, Charlie Littlefair, said upgrades were essential to meet the growing demands of the Mount Martha community and the surrounding areas, and to ensure the network continued to operate safely and reliably.
“By increasing the plant’s capacity, we can reduce the risk of spills and protect local waterways,” said Littlefair.
“We’re investing in infrastructure that supports one of Victoria’s fastest-growing communities while meeting the challenges of a growing population.”
The clarifier upgrades are on track for completion by the end of 2026.
First published in the Mornington News – 10 February 2026
