Water Harvesting

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During the extremes of the last drought, Council considered several short-term critical water projects that could be implemented to provide additional sources of water supply for the Bathurst region. The project that showed the most merit was the Bathurst Water Harvesting Project where modelling showed an increase in the secure yield of approximately 1,500ML per annum.

During the drought, this amount of water represented approximately one third of Bathurst’s water needs whilst extreme water restrictions remained in place.

The Water Harvesting Project(PDF, 432KB) contains three main elements, the first being a 36ML storage pond off Morrisett Street, upstream of the Wastewater Treatment Works. This will be filled with river water from a pumping station adjacent to the Macquarie River and pre-treatment systems will be installed at this location to cater for variability in water quality. Once the water is harvested and collected, the water will be pumped via a pipeline to the Water Filtration Plant for full treatment so that is safe to drink (meeting Australian Drinking Water Standards). At the Water Filtration Plant, a new 8ML storage pond is being constructed to hold the harvested water ready to feed into the filtration system for full treatment. The estimated project cost is $21 million.

The NSW Government is investing $20 million to deliver major water security projects in Bathurst including the Water Harvesting Scheme and the Winburndale pipeline project.

The NSW Government has been working collaboratively with Bathurst Regional Council to help deliver a safer, more secure water supply for residents and businesses over the coming decades.

30 March update:

Pipeline works for the water harvesting project will start in Stanley Street from Tuesday 7 April 2026. The works are expected to take two to three weeks, with construction occurring between 7am and 5.30pm, Monday to Friday (weather permitting).

J Group will undertake the work on behalf of Council and will excavate a new trench and install water infrastructure, including new pipework from Jordans Creek through to Hereford Street. The works are necessary to enable completion of the water harvesting drought relief project. 

Traffic control will be in place during works and all efforts will be undertake to maintain reasonable vehicle access for residents. 

6 February 2025 update:

Council has agreed to engage three subcontractors to complete Stage 1 of the Bathurst Water Harvesting Scheme.

Following the termination of the original contract in September 2024, Council has engaged the following companies:

  • Optimal Stormwater Pty Ltd, for the design of the project and the supply and installation of water quality pre-treatment systems.
  • QMAX Pty Ltd, for the excavation of ground and the installation of pumps and associated equipment on land near the Macquarie River within the boundary of Council’s Waste Water Treatment Plant and the Water Filtration Plant.
  • LMI Pty Ltd, for the installation of the polymer lining at the Bathurst Water Filtration Plant for the 8ML pond and the Waste Water Treatment Plant 28ML pond.

 

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