Brogo filtered flow a go
The new world class Brogo-Bermagui Water Treatment Plant is now fully operational thanks to over $10 million investment from the NSW Government’s Safe and Secure Water Program and $2.6 million from Bega Valley Shire Council.
The state-of-the-art facility has significantly improved water quality for residents in Brogo and surrounding towns such as Quaama, Cobargo, Bermagui and Wallaga Lake.
It has put an end to boil water notices, particularly during heavy rainfall events in the Brogo River catchment, and delivers filtered, treated water to residents and businesses for the first time.
Not only does it mean better water quality and security during natural disasters, such as droughts, floods and bushfires, but it also improves public health outcomes.
The original water treatment chlorination system for the area was built more than 30 years ago and, in its place, the NSW Government and Council have built a large, modern plant to treat raw water to a higher standard.
The project is part of a wider plan to boost water quality across the region with construction underway on an upgraded treatment plant servicing Bega, Kalaru and Tathra, and another planned for Yellow Pinch by 2027, both funded by the NSW Government.
Council also funded and built a water treatment plant at Bemboka which started operating in 2019.
There have been several obstacles the team has had to overcome including the Black Summer bushfires which tore through the site along with COVID-19 and heavy rainfall.
Bega Valley Shire Council’s strong partnership with the NSW Government has delivered infrastructure that will support the community for decades.
The new plant is expected to last until 2050 and beyond, servicing up to 6000 residents during peak periods and catering for future growth by more than tripling the current output to 3.54 megalitres per day.
It’s been a win for the local economy with about 100 jobs created during the construction period directly and indirectly. That’s money in the till for everyone including civil works, tradespeople, suppliers, restaurants, cafes, accommodation providers and other services.
The Safe and Secure Water Program is supporting more than $1 billion worth of projects across the state, with more than 250 in various stages of delivery.
