Saving water across the Outback

Bourke Shire Council’s Town Water Coordinator Shane Hopley on right with Town Water Operators Matt Whitbread and Ashley Lowe. Photo TWH

Bourke, Brewarrina, Walgett, Bogan and Cobar councils have been invited to be part of a project to save half a billion litres of water every year. 

After the success of the state’s first Regional Water Loss Management Hub trial, the NSW government is rolling out the program to a dozen more councils, giving them access to the tools to save huge amounts of water.

Co-designed with the Central NSW Joint Organisation (CNSWJO) and its 11 council water utilities, the program uses local expertise so that 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 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. 

Bourke, Brewarrina, Walgett, Coonamble, Warren, Bogan, Cobar, Central Darling, Narromine, Gilgandra, Dubbo, Mid-Western and Warrumbungle Shires have been invited to participate. 

These areas are often the most water-stressed during drought, which is why finding ways to be more water-efficient is crucial. […]

Read more local news in the printed edition of The Western Herald.

To subscribe call (02) 6872 2333 today and receive The Western Herald in your letterbox next week!