The completion of a $4.6 million infrastructure project has strengthened water security for Tottenham, Albert, and surrounding rural communities, with upgrades to Leg-o-Mutton Dam and the Albert Reservoir.
When operational, Leg-o-Mutton Dam water is pumped to the Tottenham Water Treatment Plant, stored in the town reservoir, and then distributed to households. The renewed dam structure provides a more durable source, capable of withstanding future drought pressures.
When the dam is offline, supply is maintained through the upgraded Albert Reservoir, now increased to 1.18 megalitres — nearly double its former capacity — and filled via a dedicated pipeline from Forbes. This redundancy requires coordinated pumping operations to ensure water can be transferred efficiently between systems, allowing consistent potable supply regardless of dam conditions.
Kirsty Fenton, Director of Grants Program at the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, said the works addressed a key vulnerability for the Lachlan Shire. “This project was a strategic two-pronged approach which has given the Leg-o-Mutton Dam a new lease of life alongside a much larger 1.18ML reservoir that will support Tottenham and Albert over the long term and help address water security concerns by increasing storage and supply,” she said.
Lachlan Shire Council Mayor John Medcalf OAM said the upgrades put the community in a stronger position. “Completion of this significant project is welcome news for our community as we are in a much stronger position to weather the next drought thanks to a more durable Leg-o-Mutton Dam, as well as a substantially larger Albert Reservoir,” he said.
The combined improvements deliver modern pumping and storage infrastructure designed to provide secure water access for generations to come.
