Hunter Water to operate Tomago Sandbeds as dam storages decline
Hunter Water will begin supplying drinking water from the Tomago Sandbeds from Wednesday, 29 April to supplement surface water storages as dam levels continue to decline across the Lower Hunter.
Overall water storages have reduced by more than 20 per cent since the start of November, due to below-average rainfall, especially in our catchments, which has reduced inflows, with storages currently at 63.7% capacity.
The Bureau of Meteorology’s long-term outlook indicates warmer and drier conditions are likely to persist for the remainder of autumn and the start of winter with the forecast of an increased chance of an El Niño developing later in the year, which may further affect rainfall patterns and could place increased pressure on water supplies.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries drought indicator shows parts of the Lower Hunter region are experiencing drier-than-normal conditions.
Hunter Water’s Executive Manager Customer Delivery, Glen Robinson, says the Tomago Sandbeds play a significant role in the Lower Hunter’s water supply system and can provide up to 20 per cent of the region’s drinking water on average during times of shortfall.
“Operating the Sandbeds now gives us additional flexibility in managing our water system and helps ensure supplies remain available for the community,” said Mr Robinson.
“Hunter Water’s first and highest priority remains the safety and quality of the drinking water we supply.
“Hunter Water has decades of experience operating the Sandbeds and a thorough understanding of the groundwater system, supported by comprehensive monitoring and testing,” said Mr Robinson.
Water sourced from the Sandbeds is tested at multiple points, including at the borefields, during treatment and before entering the drinking water network. Hunter Water also controls which bores are used, and as a precaution, two bore stations are isolated within the Williamtown Management Area and will not be used for supply.
“These checks confirm the water supplied to customers continues to meet the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. We publish water quality results, including for PFAS, on our website and our operations are independently overseen by regulators, including NSW Health.
“Some customers may notice temporary changes to the taste or colour of their water when groundwater from the Sandbeds is supplied to the network.
“Groundwater contains higher levels of naturally occurring minerals such as iron and manganese and these minerals can be more difficult to remove during treatment and may occasionally cause some discolouration, which is not a health concern,” said Mr Robinson.
Operating the Sandbeds forms part of Hunter Water’s broader approach to managing water supplies during dry periods, alongside ongoing efforts to encourage efficient water use.
Hunter Water encourages customers to continue saving water by making smart water choices; the easy, everyday choices we can all make to help our supply last longer and delay the need for water restrictions. The trigger to introduce Level 1 water restrictions is when overall storage capacity in the Lower Hunter reaches 60%, which is forecast around mid to late June, at the earliest.
Our community can help save water by:
- Using a trigger nozzle on garden hoses
- Watering gardens before 10am or after 4pm and only when required
- Sweeping hard surfaces and avoiding washing or hosing
- Fixing leaking taps and toilets promptly
- Aiming for no more than a 4-minute shower
- Waiting for a full load to use the washing machine or run the dishwasher.
More information about the Tomago Sandbeds is available at www.hunterwater.com.au/tomago
Information about water quality monitoring and water-saving tips is available at www.hunterwater.com.au
