Figure 5-4: Irrigation with recycled water at Tuncurry Golf Course Figure 5-5: Actual annual and projected average annual demands for the Manning Scheme. ............................................................................................................................................... 45

from Strategic business plan for delivery of water services

Appendix A - Requirements under the Acts

5.4.2 Catchment Management

Water quality provides a focus for MidCoast Water Services catchment program. This effort includes the ongoing monitoring of water quality via a mobile water testing unit. This device is rotated through strategic locations across our critical catchments to provide both remotely recorded data and the capture of physical samples during significant flow events. This program has resulted in the identification of areas contributing the greatest turbidity and nutrient loads. Water quality investigations are also supported through the ongoing support of NSW DPI Water’s continuous water monitoring network. In this activity, MidCoast Water

Services has provided financial support for both the upgrade and ongoing maintenance of remote turbidity monitoring at river gauging sites. This program also benefits the general community through open source water quality data available through DPI Water’s Real-time

Data website.

The interest in water quality has also extended to groundwater. MidCoast Water Services, in partnership with the University of Technology Sydney and Hunter Water Corporation, is currently participating in a groundwater dependent ecosystem study being undertaken on the Nabiac coastal sands aquifer. This project is capturing a range of variables with the aim of exploring the relationship between groundwater conditions and vegetation. It is envisaged that the understanding established during the work may inform the operation of the borefield in an effort to mitigate adverse environmental outcomes, and ensure the sustainable extraction of water.

5.4.3 Recycled Water

The organisation remains committed to the use of recycled water as a means to reduce the use of potable water for irrigation, and minimise the environmental impacts of wastewater treatment. Currently MidCoast Water Services operates 10 effluent reuse schemes providing recycled water for the irrigation of municipal parks, sporting fields, golf courses and agricultural land. These schemes provide treatment to a standard that is fit for purpose that typically sees approximately 14% of total treated effluent beneficially reused.