WALGETT Shire Council has provided updates on two major projects that will improve the security and quality of the water supply in Lightning Ridge.

Council is preparing to release a tender for the design and construction of a new bore water supply pipeline, and is continuing to work with funding partners to secure the remaining funds needed for the proposed cooling tower and permanent chlorination system.

The new bore water pipeline will replace an existing section of the current bore supply line into Lightning Ridge.

The project will upgrade ageing infrastructure to ensure the long-term security and reliability of the town’s water supply and improve Council’s ability to monitor and manage the system into the future.

Walgett Shire mayor Jasen Ramien said the projects are essential investments in the future of Lightning Ridge.

“Water security is absolutely critical for Lightning Ridge residents, businesses and visitors,” Cr Ramien said.

“The new bore water pipeline will make our system more reliable and resilient, while the cooling tower and chlorination project will help us meet modern health standards and improve the quality of the water that comes out of people’s taps.

“We know the community has been very patient while we work through design, funding and regulatory requirements.

“Council is committed to keeping everyone updated as these projects move ahead, and to continuing to work closely with our State and Federal partners to deliver the best possible outcome for Lightning Ridge,” he said.

Council is progressing the Lightning Ridge Water Supply Cooling Tower and Chlorination Project. Earlier design work has shown a cooling tower would reduce the temperature of water entering the reservoirs and help address issues such as odour and taste, which are made worse when water is supplied at very high temperatures.

Once the water is cooled and aerated, it can then be disinfected using a modern chlorine dosing system with continuous monitoring.

The proposed cooling tower does not include the addition of fluoride to the Lightning Ridge water supply.

The focus of this stage is on installing a reliable chlorination system that meets NSW Health requirements for safe drinking water.

All local water utilities in New South Wales are required to operate a drinking water management system that ensures water is safe to drink, including effective disinfection to control bacteria and other microorganisms.

In almost all New South Wales town water supplies this disinfection is provided through the careful use of chlorine, which is a proven and widely used method of protecting public health, Walgett Shire Council said.

The tender for the bore water pipeline will be advertised shortly, with works expected to commence following the completion of the procurement process. Council will provide further updates on the cooling tower and chlorination project as funding negotiations progress.