New hub to save a half a billion litres of water in the regions
After the huge success of the state’s first Regional Water Loss Management Hub trial, the NSW Government is rolling out the program to up to a dozen more councils, giving them access to an arsenal of tools to save a staggering half a billion litres of water every year.
Co-designed with the Central New South Wales Joint Organisation (CNSWJO) and its 11 council water utilities from 2022, the program leverages local expertise to ensure communities can share technology, equipment, knowledge and skills to reduce costs and improve water efficiency.
The pilot has saved 815 million litres of water so far by helping councils hone-in on inefficiencies and knowledge gaps, improve training and identify and repair leaks throughout water networks.
CNSWJO will now partner with the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (NSW DCCEEW) to introduce the program to 13 member councils of the Western Councils Water Alliance, using its regional connections and water sustainability experience to support an expansion of the program out west.
The councils invited to participate include Bourke, Brewarrina, Walgett, Coonamble, Warren, Bogan, Cobar, Central Darling, Narromine, Gilgandra, and Warrumbungle Shire Councils and Mid-Western and Dubbo Regional Councils.
These areas can be some of the most water-stressed during drought, which is why finding ways to be more water efficient is so crucial.
The work will kick off with water loss management audits, so councils can take an in-depth look at the performance of their networks and leakage issues, assess where they can make improvements, and determine which solutions may help save water.
Six of the new councils have previously received grants from the NSW Government to train and upskill water utility staff, upgrade network technology, improve pressure management and leakage control and install bulk meters. The Hub expansion will go one step further to harness these new resources to maximise water savings and embed improvements into day-to-day operations.
The rollout is part of a $35.3 million package announced last year to save billions of litres of water across the state and arm regional and metro towns with the tools they need for a more sustainable water future.
Under the new funding, we will also extend the School Water Efficiency Program to K-12 students across the Western Councils Water Alliance area in 2025, helping children understand the importance of being water-wise, track their school’s water use and identify leaks.
Visit our webpage for more information on our Water Efficiency work.
NSW DCCEEW Executive Director Operations Resilience Ashraf El-Sherbini said:
"This is great news for nearly 125,000 people in our state’s central west and northwest regions, who now have the chance to reap the benefits of the program and see hundreds of millions of litres of water saved.
“Being water efficient is more important than ever, especially as the mercury rises this summer and drier conditions could stress town water resources. We know these regions were hit very hard by the last drought.
“Half a billion litres of water is enough to supply 2,500 NSW households for a year. We’re saving this incredible amount through simple, innovative and cost-efficient solutions while working together to share resources and better manage our water supply networks.
“This is a fantastic result, helping to ensure every corner of our state is well-equipped to face current and emerging challenges, minimise water waste and build a more resilient water future.
Central NSW JO Chair, Mayor of Cabonne Council Cr Kevin Beatty said:
“With a history of award-winning work in water management including a 2024 Local Government NSW Excellence in the Environment Award for our Water Loss Management Hub, our Water Utilities Alliance continues to lead and innovate sharing its work across regional NSW.
“We’ve enjoyed a great working partnership with the Department through this project. This has helped with the development of practical tools for regional utilities to improve water efficiencies on the ground into the future.
“We know our towns only use 2 per cent of the region’s water. However, that 2 per cent is very important to our businesses, schools, homes and hospitals. Our towns are important engines for the NSW economy and are growing well above state government projections.
“Based on this region’s lived experience and the sorts of climate extremes we’re seeing, we know we’re going to need to manage our existing water resources as best as possible. While making sure we have access to enough water to secure our future, we need to say to our funding partners and communities that our water infrastructure is in good shape and that we make the most of every precious drop of water when times are tough.
“The CNSWJO is part of a regional network that works with state agencies to deliver programs in water, energy and disaster resilience across NSW. It’s exciting to see what can be delivered through these partnerships and the value they can provide to our communities in challenging times.”
