SAFEGUARDING CLEAN WATER

Settling pond, filtration units mitigate risk of dirty water events

Several installations to mitigate future risk of clean water shortages in our water supply system were completed in February.

Provision of clean drinking water to residents was strained by multiple factors which led to a Boil Water Alert for Coutts Crossing (30 Jan) that remained in place for 12 days, and Level 4 Water Restrictions for the Clarence Valley (31 Jan), which lasted 16 days. These factors included high turbidity levels in Shannon Creek Dam since the

March 2022 rainfall event (influenced by 2019 bushfires), rainfall events impacting turbidity in Nymboida River, return flow from Coffs Harbour interrupted by a switchboard fire at Karangi Dam, and very high water consumption during hot weather.

The installations minimise the risk of similar restrictions being imposed in the future.

We continue to carry out 24/7 monitoring of the water supply scheme.

UPGRADES INCLUDE:

 Construction of settling pond at Rushforth Road Water Treatment Plant;

 Installation of temporary water filtrations units at Glenreagh and Coutts Crossing;

 Successful renegotiation of return flow of clean water from Coffs Harbour.

Filtration Plant Masterplan

The planning approval process for future construction of a filtration plant is underway as part of the approved Rushforth Road Water Treatment Plant Masterplan. The first step involves calling for tenders to undertake an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), as the filtration plant is classified as a State Significant Development due to its construction cost (estimated $63.8 million).