Tenterfield taps into new water treatment plant

Clean and reliable water is now secured for the Tenterfield community with the completion of a world class $9.64 million water treatment plant.

At 90 years old, the previous plant was inefficient and unreliable, losing a litre of water for every litre of potable water that was produced.

The new one is fit for the modern era treating up to 2.6ML every day and can also treat bore water if the town needs to switch to an alternative source when Tenterfield Dam is at critical lows, or the area becomes drought declared.

It will significantly improve water quality through enhanced treatment processes and, more importantly, put an end to water waste by ensuring every drop gets where it’s needed the most.

The infrastructure is designed to support tourism and population growth for the next five decades.

The NSW Government has provided the majority of funding with $7 million from the Safe and Secure Water Program along with $2.625 from the Building Better Regions Funding.

Mayor Bronwyn Petrie said the new infrastructure has been the missing piece in the town’s water security puzzle.

“We are so grateful the NSW and Commonwealth Governments has stepped-in to make this project a reality,” she said.

“With the Bureau of Meteorology predicting another dry spell, communities like Tenterfield cannot afford to lose any water which is why this new plant will be a game changer for the town.”

The NSW and Australian Governments are also delivering an upgrade to the Urbenville water treatment plant along with 2 new raw water lagoons and a tank which is due to be completed by the end of 2023.