Tackling Water Waste Across Regional NSW

Up to $150,000 in co-funding has been offered to 15 local water utilities across regional NSW to launch infrastructure projects targeting water loss and boosting efficiency.

The funding is part of the NSW Government’s efforts to save 7.5 million litres of water per year across the state.

It’s the latest round of the NSW Government’s $12.5 million Regional Leakage Reducation Program, which has so far worked closely with 54 regional councils and Aboriginal communities to save a staggering 5.8 billion litres of water per year.

It has also funded new equipment, provided training, increased resources and supplied councils with comprehensive tools to save water.

Minister for Water Rose Jackson said the program had already worked with dozens of councils to kick major goals when it came to saving water.

“Now even more communities can keep the wins coming,” Ms Jackson said.

“We know in regional NSW that an average of 15 per cent of water sourced from nature is lost because of leaking pipes or inefficient networks, which really adds up.

“This new funding is a game-changer, supporting councils to minimise water losses, upskill operators and help save hundreds of thousands of dollars.

“At the same time, it’s never been more important to boost drought resilience across regional NSW as we prepare for a more variable climate, and this work has a critical role to play in locking-in a more secure water future for local communities.”

The program will invest in 15 priority councils that have never before received this funding and will significantly benefit from new projects, training and water-saving infrastructure.

The funding will help councils install state-of-the-art equipment to better measure and mange their water supply networks and train staff on how to keep them running efficiently.

This includes procuring and installing bulk meters, sensors, real-time monitors and pressure-reducing valves.

It will also help operators zero-in on leaking pipes by funding specialised detection equipment including leak noise loggers, electronic listening sticks and ground microphones.

The all-out assault on water waste will help regional councils minimise water losses and boost and drought resilience of regional communities.

Invited councils include:

• Clarence Valley Council;
• Carrathool Shire Council;
• Muswellbrook Shire Council;
• Balranald Shire Council;
• Hilltops Council;
• Uralla Shire Council;
• Bellingen Shire Council;
• Brewarrina Shire Council;
• Central Darling Shire;
• Warrumbungle Shire Council;
• Murray River Council;
• Richmond Valley Council;
• Moree Plains Shire Council;
• Leeton Shire Council; and
• Walgett Shire Council.

The NSW Government offered these councils places in the program this month and is working with them to complete all the projects by May next year.

Visit https://water.dpie.nsw.gov.au/plans-and-programs/water-efficiency/regional-leakage-reduction-program for more information.

• Topics:

• Local Council
• Water