Since the local water authority decided to rethink the new Dunoon dam as an option for our future water supply, it has had to revise it's strategic direction. Now, a new document has been put on public display and the community has until May 28 to provide feedback.

Rous County Council has announced that the centrepiece of its revised draft Future Water Project 2060 will now be activating existing groundwater sources fulltime in Alstonville - and utilising underground aquifers in Tyagarah.

Rous’ revised strategic direction also recommends implementing more innovative water saving measures and finding ways to overcome the barriers to using purified recycled water for drinking purposes in NSW. 

Rous County Council chair Keith Williams encourages Lismore City, Ballina Shire, Byron Shire and Richmond Valley residents to provide feedback on the new plan.

“Our revised approach provides a suitable alternative following the decision last year not to proceed with further investigations into the Dunoon Dam,” he said.

“Despite this refocus, the critical water security challenges facing our regional supply from forecast population growth and changing climate conditions still remain. 

“Transforming the local government owned bores around Alstonville into a primary water source is a priority, especially as it will ensure we can keep up with forecast demand from 2024. 

“The revised future water project sets out a staged approach under which additional groundwater sources are gradually brought online, while at the same time enhanced demand management initiatives and potential purified recycled water schemes are identified."

Some of the key water supply security actions covered by the revised draft Future Water Project 2060 include: 

• Securing the upgrade of the existing Marom Creek Water Treatment Plant to permanently supply the Wollongbar and Alstonville communities in addition to Wardell etc., and redevelop existing groundwater bores within the Alstonville aquifer to provide drought resilience. 

• Investigating two new potential schemes for eventually utilising groundwater from the Tyagarah area as a primary supply. 

• Rolling out smart water metering for all of Rous’ 2,000 direct retail customers.

• Instigating a four-year plan to further address water loss from the Rous supply network.

• Pioneering the use of purified recycled water by building a pilot treatment plant and direct potable reuse scheme to supply the Perradenya Estate near Lismore. 

• Investigating indirect potable reuse schemes 

Rous' General Manager Phillip Rudd said Rous would like to hear from as many residents as possible over the next two months. 

“We’re always looking to improve engagement with communities across our entire service area, especially in relation to critical regional issues such as water security and the use of new water sources,” Mr Rudd added. 

Residents can visit the project’s dedicated webpage at http://www.rous.nsw.gov.au/futurewater to find out more and provide any feedback.