Clearer water diverted to Merimbula
Clearer water is now running through taps in the Merimbula area thanks to the diversion of water from Council’s Tantawangalo source.
Running water at Tantawangalo weir means sediment is cleared sooner following heavy rain.
2 May 2022
Clearer water is now running through taps in the Merimbula area thanks to the diversion of water from Council’s Tantawangalo source.
The switch from Yellow Pinch Dam occurred last week after months of heavy rainfall washed fine clay silt into the area’s main water store.
Bega Valley Shire Council’s Water and Sewerage Services Manager, Chris Best said the switch to sourcing water from Tantawangalo Weir will offer an immediate improvement to water quality.
“With all the rain we’ve had this year, several catchments were affected by runoff, increasing sedimentation in our dams. So we are now sourcing water from places with a constantly running supply,” Mr Best said.
“River sources like Tantawangalo can flush sediment through, resulting in a supply that clears sooner following heavy rain.
“The new water source will be disinfected to our usual high standard, with the main difference being improved clarity.
“While the Yellow Pinch water is still safe to drink, we do understand its brown appearance is not something everyone wants to use.
“It’s important to note the Tantawangalo supply—like any river—is still prone to sediment following heavy rain, but it will clear itself much sooner than the Yellow Pinch Dam.
“A permanent solution rests with adding filtration to our water treatment facilities and this is coming, with a new Yellow Pinch treatment and filtration plant scheduled for delivery in 2027.
“We introduced filtration to our Bemboka supply in 2019. Filtration and treatment are nearing delivery for the Brogo-Bermagui supply and construction of a new plant is about to start in Bega.
“When the Yellow Pinch plant is switched on in 2027, it will bring filtered and treated water to every household and business connected to our reticulated network.”
The Pambula and Eden water supply was recently diverted to the Towamba River water source.
For more information on water services and major projects, visit Council’s website.
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