The NSW Government has helped kickstart a study that will look at a range of options to determine what upgrades are required for the Yetman water treatment plant.
The NSW Safe and Secure Water Program and the Inverell Shire Council have teamed up to look at the best way forward for improving the treatment infrastructure and reducing risks to water quality.
The current water treatment plant is chlorine disinfection only and was built last century in the 1960s, and produces around 0.1 ML a day of filtered water to support the town’s 200 residents.
It treats raw water from two bores that were installed in 1989 and 1996 which could be at risk of surface water contamination due to the geography of the area.
The options assessment is the first critical step in looking at the current water quality and treatment in order to determine if any upgrades may be required.
“Every town in regional NSW deserves access to top quality drinking water, no matter how big or small,” NSW DCCEEW Executive Director of Development, Lisa Hingerty said.
“This is why the NSW Safe and Secure Water Program has stepped up to the plate to help Inverell Shire Council hone-in on the most effective ways to improve the treatment of water in Yetman.
Inverell Shire Council Mayor Kate Dight, a resident of Yetman herself, said she was pleased Council are working with the NSW Government to take a closer look at how to improve water quality for Yetman.
“The town relies on bore water and the study will assist Council to ensure the continued supply of a quality water service for Yetman residents.
“It is just the first cog in the wheel, once the study is complete we can then ascertain what needs to be done and how much it will cost.”
Water quality is a significant issue in many New England communities, particularly those reliant on bores or where infrastructure is well past due for an upgrade.
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