Better water security in the pipeline for Boorowa

Boorowa is on the path to improved water quality and security thanks to over $825,000 jointly funded by the NSW Government’s Safe and Secure Water Program and Hilltops Council bringing the long-awaited Harden to Boorowa Pipeline one step closer to shovel ready stage.

This significant project will deliver top quality water to residents and businesses in Boorowa by connecting the township to Goldenfields Water County Council’s water supply network from the Murrumbidgee River at Jugiong, the same network that already services towns including Harden, Young and Galong.

With a changing climate and another El Nino weather event expected to bring drier conditions, the new funding is the next vital step in locking-in clean and reliable water into the future for the Boorowa community.

Regional specialists DGP Water Pty Ltd have won the competitive tender process to conduct this next crucial phase of work, including detailed geotechnical investigations, concept design, environmental assessments and approvals and cost estimates.

This work will be completed in mid-2024.

Building on this investment, the NSW Government has also given Hilltops Council a further $150,000 as part of its new Advanced Operational Support Program which will enable them to optimise the performance of its water treatment plant by making permanent upgrades.

The program also includes regular on-the-ground support from water technicians from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water who will help local water operators address any future treatment or water quality issues.

Rose Jackson, NSW Minister for Water said:

“We know the community has been faced with concerning alerts to boil water before consumption. The NSW Government is committed to doing everything we can to ensure regional communities have access to safe, drinkable water as the bare minimum.

“Progress on the Harden to Boorowa Pipeline project is part of our comprehensive plan to improve water quality, not just for Boorowa but for hundreds of rural towns across the state.

“We are committed to building crucial infrastructure to help deliver better water security and quality for generations to come.

“Resilient and thriving communities need to know their town water supply is safe and reliable, this announcement is a key part of this work.”

Marg Roles, Mayor of Hilltops Council said:

“Council is very happy to be progressing this project alongside our partners at the NSW Government and Goldenfields Water.

“I would like to thank everyone involved and especially staff at Council and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water who have been working hard to make this project a reality.

“The start of this phase is a very important step towards providing long-term water security for our customers in Boorowa.

“We look forward to working with the NSW Government and Commonwealth Government to explore funding options for the construction stage of this project.”