Lou explains his vision

Through the VIA (Virginia Irrigation Association), landholders north of Bolivar WWTP (Wastewater Treatment Plant) agreed in 1998 to pay WRSV for the VPS (Virginia Pipeline Scheme) over a 25-year period. The recycled water scheme was a great success, creating the largest region of protected horticulture in the southern hemisphere.

SA Water acquired the VPS from WRSV in January 2018, and added NAIS (Northern Adelaide Irrigation Scheme) in 2019 to take water to Korunye, beyond Two Wells.

In 2016, Bunyip Water built a private pipeline to take VPS water, Gawler River floodwater, and stormwater from the Roseworthy Township Expansion to Light Regional Council’s open spaces and Seppeltsfield’s vineyards in the Western Barossa.

An example of greenhouse development on five 4-ha (10 acre) lots in Virginia

In November 2024, Lou explained his vision to John Gransbury, the engineer behind the successful Bunyip Water scheme by describing how urbanisation had reduced the availability of reasonably priced 4-ha allotments in Virginia, and how his family farm could be subdivided if irrigation water was available.

Having collaborated previously with SA Water and others regarding the potential expansion of the VPS and NAIS schemes, John and Lou canvassed all options and then decided LouWater was the best option.

LouWater will help meet the increased demand for greenhouse development in Primary Production Priority Areas