Gloucester residents are set to enjoy increased water supply quality and pressure thanks to a $21 million upgrade to the supply network and replacement of ageing infrastructure, with the MidCoast Council works to begin onsite this month.
Due to the geographical location of Gloucester’s existing reservoirs, providing adequate water pressure to parts of the town has not been possible without the use of pressure booster pump stations, which cause continuous pressure fluctuations and fail completely during power outages.
MidCoast Council Infrastructure and Engineering Services Director Rob Scott said he’s pleased to be announcing the upgrades, as water pressure, quality and reliability has been a concern for Gloucester residents for some time.
“Gloucester residents have been putting up with pressure and chlorination fluctuations in their water supply for years now, so it’s great to finally address that,” he said.
“This project will ensure more consistent water pressure is supplied to all parts of the town, reduce the likelihood of interruptions in supply, and allow our operators to provide better quality water during wet weather events.
New reservoirs
The project will involve the construction of two service reservoirs at the existing Cemetery Road site, including a seven-kilometre rising main to connect the new reservoirs to the water treatment plant.
There will also be a gravity main from the Cemetery Road site to the industrial area, and various upgrades to existing mains throughout the network.
The upgrade will help mitigate the need for pressure booster pump stations and ensure adequate water pressure is supplied to all parts of the town.
The additional storage capacity provided by the new reservoirs will help ensure more reliable and better quality water provision during wet weather events by reducing the need to draw from the Barrington River during times of high turbidity.
Furthermore, the works are committed to minimising impacts on the Grey-crowned Babbler, which is listed as vulnerable to extinction in New South Wales. Plans are in place to protect the species habitat around the reservoir site.
Given the large scope of the works, Scott said the project will have some impact on residents, but that the council is committed to keeping the community updated on what’s happening in order to minimise any inconvenience.
“We know this project is going to involve some work in residential areas, especially during the construction of the rising main, but we’ll be sure to communicate directly with anyone who is going to be impacted,” he said.
The project is expected to take 15 months and should be completed by September 2022.