Securing sustainable water resources with off-creek storage ---CVCHRWS strategy

Securing sustainable water resources with off-creek storage ---CVCHRWS strategy

In 1994 a group of Clarence Valley councils approached Coffs Harbour City Council with a proposal for a Regional Water Supply Strategy, based on using the Orara and Nymboida Rivers as surface water sources with a common storage on the upper reaches of Kangaroo Creek. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the six constituent councils involved (five of which were amalgamated into Clarence Valley Council in 2004) allowing joint investigations to proceed.

The RWS Strategy was developed with two aims:

• Meet current and future population demands for a secure bulk water supply.

• Protect the environmental flows in the Nymboida and Orara Rivers.

petri dish     string wound filters     active carbon filters

The Strategy has two key elements: a $180 million bulk water supply project (‘Build’ element), coupled with a regional water efficiency programme (‘Non-build’ element). The ‘Non-build’ element, known as the Regional Water Efficiency Programme, comprised:

• Exploring and implementing better ways to conserve water, to reduce our water needs and future augmentation requirements.

• A cooperative approach to better water management, by assisting regional cooperation between councils and government.

• Investing in alternative water sources and new technology, to meet future demands.

Developing a holistic strategy enabled both communities to provide enhanced environmental protection for the region’s river systems. It also ensured a secure, sustainable and affordable water resource for the long-term future without having to resort to extreme water pricing, harsh supply restrictions or increased pressure on environmental flows in the Orara and Nymboida Rivers. 

SPE Cartridge      Syringe       petri dish     string wound filters     active carbon filters     96 well plates     roller bottle     tissue culture flask