The New South Wales town of Dungog’s 80-year-old wastewater facilities have been retired following the completion of a state-of-the-art $28 million wastewater treatment works (WWTW) set to service the local community for years to come.
The Hunter Water construction also includes replacing a 75-year-old wastewater pump station on Windeyer Street, as well as installing a new rising main pipeline, which will connect the pump station to the WWTW on Alison Road.
Hunter Water Managing Director Darren Cleary said the significant investment in the WWTW and related projects will help to ensure quality water service provision for the Dungog community well into the future.
“This new plant, and subsequent works, will ensure the growing community is reliably served for many years, while also providing us with ongoing confidence that we can continue to protect the environment,” he said.
“The $28 million investment in this facility, with support from the NSW Government, has delivered infrastructure that uses state-of-the-art technology to treat wastewater to an even higher standard.
Wastewater for agriculture
Further, the WWTW will also help to facilitate recycled water use for local agriculture.
“A portion of that treated wastewater is then reused on a neighbouring farmland for irrigation, reducing the volume that is released to the Williams River, which is a great result,” said Cleary.
The WWTW uses modern technology and an innovative design to produce better quality treated wastewater and, as a result, greater environmental outcomes.
The new facility is part of Hunter Water’s region-wide focus on WWTWs, with several sites within the utility’s service area undergoing upgrades to ensure reliable operation and service growth.
The $70 million revamp of Farley WWTW is now underway, servicing Maitland and surrounding suburbs, while upgrades at Tanilba Bay, Cessnock and Raymond Terrace WWTWs are also progressing.
by Cecilia Harris
