ALL SYSTEMS GO: Imerys Minerals supervisor Brad Haywood switches on the pump for water supply, while CHW marketing manager Phil Anstis looks on.
BALLARAT'S water supply will be boosted with 200 megalitres from a disused mine.
The water, from Lal Lal's Kaolin Mine, will provide Ballarat with at least a week's additional supply.
Owned by mining company Imerys Minerals, the mine has been disused for 20 years.
Company supervisor Brad Haywood said the mine water was previously used for irrigation, but the company now wanted to recharge it back into Ballarat's system.
"We see it as our responsibility to do what we can to help Ballarat through the water crisis," Mr Haywood said.
Pumping began this week into Lal Lal Creek, where the mine water will flow into Lal Lal Reservoir.
An underground pipe runs from the mine to the back of the property, where a channel runs into the Lal Lal system.
Imerys has provided all infrastructure, including pumps and pipeline, using stock on site, while Central Highlands Water will meet operational costs.
The mine water will be mixed with reservoir water before being fully treated through the reservoir's treatment facility.
The water will be regularly monitored by CHW and the Environment Protection Authority to make sure it is safe for drinking.
CHW marketing manager Phil Anstis said an additional week or two of water supply in the Ballarat system was very significant.
"There's a number of solutions that are being implemented (to provide water)," he said.
"This is an important one because it helps extend existing reserves to June next year when the Ballarat link to the Goldfields Superpipe comes online," he said.
Mr Anstis said CHW hoped pumping from the mine would become long term.