Residents in Tottenham and Albert are well on their way to securing reliable, high-quality drinking water all year round, with the Tottenham Water Supply Project hitting a key milestone.
Construction is now complete on a brand-new 1.18ML reservoir in Albert. This reservoir is nearly double the size of the ageing one it replaces, allowing more water to be stored when needed most.
The work is part of a $4.6 million investment in partnership between the New South Wales Government and Lachlan Shire Council to bolster water security in the two townships and surrounding areas.
New South Wales Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (NSW DCCEEW) Executive Director of Infrastructure Development, Lisa Hingerty, said, “Having access to a reliable water source is a priority for any community. We know Lachlan Shire locals are vulnerable to drought, so we’re backing this project with substantial funds to improve regional water security.
“The ageing reservoir in Albert helped serve the community for over 60 years, but with modern technology available and a need for something bigger, the new infrastructure is a welcome upgrade.”
The region’s drinking water supply currently comes from the Forbes Water Treatment Plant via a pipeline into the Albert reservoir. The water is also gravity-fed to the storage facility in Tottenham to serve hundreds of residents in each town.
Lachlan Shire Council Mayor, John Medcalf OAM, said, “This project significantly boosts drought resilience for residents in the Tottenham and Albert area and helps us to continue delivering safe and secure water to the community all year round.
“From doubling the size of our Albert Reservoir to upgrading the infrastructure at the Leg-O-Mutton Dam, our community can rest assured that we’re prepared in the face of a changing climate.”
The old reservoir, built in the 1960s, was demolished for the new 21st century infrastructure. This infrastructure holds twice the amount of water coming down the pipe and provides greater reliability for the community.
As part of the project, the Leg-O-Mutton Dam is also being upgraded to boost the region’s drought resilience. The work is expected to be completed soon.
The dam provides a critical long-term storage solution, holding additional water collected during winter to supplement the peak summer demand period.
The project is expected to be finished by July 2025.
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