The Harpers Hill reservoir in New South Wales has undergone a suite of upgrades, including the installation of a new 2.5km pipeline connecting it with the Lochinvar pump station.
This will enable enough water to reach the reservoir during periods of high demand, supporting supply for those living in Lochinvar, Greta, Branxton and North Rothbury.
A new seven-megalitre (ML) concrete reservoir has also been installed to replace a 70-year-old steel reservoir that could only hold 0.9ML. This has since been decommissioned.
“This new, larger reservoir gives our community greater confidence that water will be there when they need it most, whether it’s on hot summer days, during times of high-water demand, or as our community continues to grow,” Hunter Water executive manager – infrastructure delivery Justin Watts said.
“By increasing storage capacity and improving the way water moves through the network, we’re strengthening the system for today while planning responsibly for growth over the next 15 to 20 years.”
Alongside the nearby North Rothbury reservoir, the upgrades will improve supply for 3000 homes and businesses across the Lower Hunter region.
“Projects like the upgrade at Harpers Hill help us stay ahead of growth and continue delivering the essential services that support our homes, local businesses and the broader economy,” Watts said.
“At the same time, we encourage our community to keep making smart water choices – simple everyday habits that help protect our precious water supply. These small actions make a big difference, especially during hot dry periods and help ensure our water resources remain secure into the future.”
The Harper Hill reservoir upgrade forms part of Hunter Water’s broader program to improve the reliability of the region’s water network.
The upgrades began in mid-2024 and were completed in February.
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