New infrastructure to lock in Nyngan’s water future
Nyngan is one step closer to a new, state-of-the-art water treatment plant as planning work gets off the ground thanks to a $490,000 investment from the NSW Government and $160,000 from Bogan Shire Council.
The critical infrastructure will mean the town’s 2,200 residents can continue to rely on high-quality treated drinking water for decades to come.
Nyngan’s current treatment plant was built in 1942 and had its last major upgrade more than 40 years ago.
While the old plant has served the community well for more than eight decades and continues to supply safe drinking water, it relies on old technology and is reaching the end of its asset life.
The new plant will bring services into the 21st century, streamlining treatment and processing capabilities and allowing operators to more easily meet all water quality guidelines.
Site investigations into the new plant have already started with surveying work and tender documentation expected to be finished by mid-2024.
The project is the latest investment from the NSW Government’s Safe and Secure Water Program, which supports more than $1 billion worth of projects across the state, with over 250 in various stages of delivery.
Meanwhile, NSW has also provided funding for Council to replace the Belaringar Creek Syphon, which will mean increased water availability for Nyngan.
A significant percentage of water that passes through the syphon is being lost because the infrastructure is leaking due to old age.
The open channel concrete pipeline was built under the creek in 1942, enabling raw water to flow down to Nyngan for town supply. However, the ageing structure has had no major upgrades since its construction and needs replacing to improve water efficiency and ensure more water gets where it is needed the most.
A tender process has already started, and shovels are expected to hit the ground in the coming months.
The work will be funded through the NSW Critical Drought Fund as part of the $10.1 million package of works to raise the standard of drought security at Nyngan. This also included a new storage dam next to the Bogan River, completed at the end of 2023.
It comes as part of broad work to support Nyngan’s water needs, including investigations currently underway into alternative groundwater options to help drought-proof Nyngan’s water supply.
For more information visit the Safe and Secure Water Program.
NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Executive Director of Development - Water, Lisa Hingerty said:
“We’re investing in the future needs of Nyngan by building first-class infrastructure that will continue to deliver top-notch drinking water to residents and businesses.
“With Western NSW feeling the impacts of drier conditions, it’s more important than ever to prepare our rural and regional towns for the challenges of climate change, and that includes making sure water services are up to scratch.
“We’re in the early planning stages of a state-of the-art plant that will deliver big wins for Nyngan and lock-in water security for the next generations.
“We’re also doing everything we can to reduce water loss and waste. Replacing the Belaringar Creek Syphon will be a game-changer when it comes to improving efficiency and shoring up Nyngan’s supply, especially during drought.”
Bogan Shire Council Mayor Glen Neill said:
“Council is pleased that the NSW Government is continuing to invest in Nyngan and the Bogan Shire’s future by providing substantial funding to replace this critical infrastructure.
“The projects will help us reduce water losses and will introduce new technology to more efficiently treat our water and meet the needs of changing drinking water guidelines.”
