The Bathurst Local Government Area is well serviced with a reliable water supply, following the augmentation of Chifley Dam in 2001.  Recent studies have shown that if the climate conditions over the last 100 years are repeated, Bathurst would have a reliable water supply to cater for future growth in population and industry. It is evident however, that climate conditions are not likely to remain the same for the next 100 years therefore Council has taken the important step of completing a Climate Change and Water Security Plan in order to gather information about what opportunities there are available for Council and the community to improve the security of our water supply into the future.

Council has installed two new water drinking fountains at the following locations:

- The Adventure Playground located on Durham Street 

- Bicentennial Park located adjacent to the Macquarie River

The water drinking fountains give residents and visitors the opportunity to access clean, quality drinking water when out and about. 

Bathurst Regional Council has completed the development of the Integrated Water Cycle Management (IWCM) Strategy in order to explore options for the sustainable management of the provision of water supply, sewerage services and stormwater services. These reports document the IWCM study undertaken and list details of the recommended IWCM Strategy for Bathurst Regional Council. Many elements of the Strategy are already underway.

DIRTY WATER

Occasionally residents may experience dirty water, here are some details about what causes dirty water and what to do if you experience this.

MANGANESE REMOVAL

Council is currently undertaking a trial to remove Manganese from the water which is treated at the Water Filtration Plant for town use, early results from this trial have been very positive.

Please see the links below for more information about the Bathurst water supply, water pricing and how accounts are set out. There is also some useful information about how to check your water meter for a leak and how to save water around your home and garden. 

Water: A Plain English Guide

We all know that water is essential for our lives. Sometimes we don't always take time to think about how the quality of water affects not only our own health, but that of our environment as well. Water has a powerful impact on the balance of the environment. Too much, too little or ‘not the right sort' can have a devastating effect.

NSW Health has provided some information in regards to Private Water Supply guidelines. 

Applicants need to complete and submit Council's Application for Water Service Connection and fees.

IDEA With Biological Phosphorus Removal ("BIO-P")

Testing the liquid discharge from the existing aeration tanks has shown that, under the right conditions, bacteria which can take up large amounts of phosphorus can be encouraged to grow in the treatment tank. 

To view the the diagram of wastewater of the Bathurst Regional area, please click here.

Surveys for the first sewerage system began in 1910, and the treatment plant was completed in 1915. The original treatment plant consisted of huge underground septic tanks. Liquid overflow (effluent) passed through rubble filters and into the Macquarie River.

The Need for a Sewerage System

In the early years of settlement the people of Bathurst installed cesspits at individual dwellings to collect and store human wastes. The first organised disposal system consisted of the cesspits being emptied at night, and the waste being carted to a disposal area where it was buried.   

Winburndale Dam is located on the Winburndale Rivulet, some 21 kilometres east of Bathurst. Water from the dam is used primarily for park watering and industrial purposes. Water supplied to Bathurst is provided by an old wood stave pipeline between the dam and the city. 

A Green (low) Level alert is currently in place for Chifley Dam.

Blue Green Algae is a naturally occurring organism often found in Council's main water storage Chifley Dam. 

It is usually visible in the form of floating green particles in the water. 

Chifley Dam was originally completed in 1956, and built in accordance with the standards and knowledge at that time.  Since then, more data has been available, particularly regarding rainfall.

The major water storage for Bathurst is Chifley Dam located on the Campbell's River some 17 kilometres upstream of Bathurst.

Council's aim is to supply a clean, safe and secure water supply to the people of Bathurst in a way which meets their needs.

Raw water contains undesirable sediments, colour, algae (which can produce a taste and smell) and other harmful organisms. The Water Filtration Plant (WFP) is designed to remove this undesirable matter, and produce water fit and safe for drinking. 

To view the the diagram of filtrated and raw water system of the Bathurst Regional area, please click here.

History

In 1886, the NSW Public Works Department constructed a piped water supply system in Bathurst. It was the first country town water supply scheme in New South Wales.

Trade waste means all liquid waste produced from a business, commercial or industrial activity other than sewage of a domestic nature (i.e. liquid waste from toilet, hand wash basin, shower and bath wastes).