Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia – Potential river augmentation for the future

The Central Coast’s water supply system incorporates three dams, three weirs, two surface and one groundwater water treatment plants, over 50 reservoirs and more than 2,200 kilometres of pipelines. Every day, we supply around 80 million litres (21 million gallons) of water to over 210,000 business and homes across the Central Coast and Lower Hunter regions. Wastewater is then collected at one of over 320 pumping stations and ultimately transported to one of eight wastewater treatment plants. Some wastewater is further treated for use as recycled water for non-drinking purposes.  

As the Central Coast grows, so does the demand for water. However, our current infrastructure can only supply us with a limited amount of water. So, we need to address ways to grow our supply to meet our future demand. We need to plan for new supplies well in advance to allow for them to be developed in time, so we are ready to accelerate the plan if we experience shocks such as drought. 

Central Coast Council have developed a long-term water strategic plan for the Central Coast region which aims to ensure we have sufficient water into the future i.e., the Central Coast Water Security Plan. Adaptability is key as we balance affordable investments into new supplies while being prepared for future uncertainties. 

One future supply option identified in the plan is Purified Recycled Water. Initially we have assumed that approximately 6 million litres (1.5 million gallons) of purified recycled water will be produced per day from Wyong South Wastewater Treatment Plant and transferred to Mardi Dam, via the Wyong River. The water would then be treated in one of Central Coast Council’s two surface water treatment plants and be distributed through the Central Coast region or be transferred to the Lower Hunter region via the Hunter Connection.  

Based on supply-demand modelling, it is likely Central Coast Council would be looking to implement purified recycled water in approximately 15 years. In the meantime, Council is focusing on increasing community awareness and understanding of purified recycled water, as well as working with our regulators to develop confidence in purified recycled water.  

Related resources:   

Central Coast Water Security Plan (the Video)

Central Coast Water Supply System,  Central Coast Water Security Plan (the Plan)