One of the largest water infrastructure projects on the South Coast is nearing completion, with a new world-class filtration plant at Bega worth more than $20 million beginning final testing before high-quality drinking water hits the taps of residents and businesses in early 2025.
The eagerly anticipated Bega-Tathra Water Treatment Plant is funded thanks to $15.2 million from the NSW Government’s Safe and Secure Water Program and $5.6 million from the Bega Valley Shire Council.
“The Bega Valley Shire is one of the most beautiful parts of our state. With a growing population, a changing climate and more than a million tourists visiting each year, the pressure on the local water network is steadily increasing,” Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland said.
“That’s why the NSW Government has put major funding on the table to see this project through, and now the finish line is in sight, which is a huge win because it means top-notch drinking water will soon be flowing to the community.
“This new plant will replace the existing one-step chlorination treatment system built over 30 years ago and builds on the investment we have made in this region working closely with Council, including delivering the $12 million Brogo Water Treatment Plant last year.”
Once switched on, it will supply 9.5 million litres of filtered drinking water to around 8000 locals each day, tapping into the bore water supply and using state-of-the-art ultrafiltration membrane technology to remove iron and manganese commonly found in bore water, followed by ultraviolet disinfection.
“Our new water treatment plant will be transformative. The advanced filtration technology aligns our drinking water with updated health-based targets, ensuring the highest water quality standards for town water customers,” Bega Valley Shire Council Water and Sewer Services Manager Steve Marshall said.
“A project of this magnitude is also great news for the shire’s economy, with local jobs created and workers out of town using our meal and accommodation providers.
“We know there is growing demand across our drinking water network, and we’re getting ready to meet that challenge. This facility will meet projections through to 2050 and beyond thanks to our ongoing partnership with the NSW Government.”
The new plant is designed to meet growing demand across the network, connecting to the communities of Bega, North Bega, Tarraganda, Kalaru, Tathra, Tathra River Estate and Mogareeka.
Commissioning will begin in the coming weeks, and the plant is expected to fully service these communities by February 2025.
The Safe and Secure Water Program supports more than $1 billion worth of projects across the state, with more than 260 in various delivery stages.
To learn more, visit: Safe and Secure Water Program.
