More than 2100 million litres of water has been transferred between the Hunter and Central Coast in the past two years as both regions grapple with the issue of drought security.
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Hunter Water figures show 954 million litres of water was sent to the Central Coast while 1203 million litres was transferred north since July 2016.
The 31-kilometre pipeline was built in 2006 at a cost of $37 million when water reserves on the Central Coast dropped to 10 per cent.
Water storages on the Central Coast have been falling sharply for the past 12 months and presently sit at 60.2 per cent.
The Hunter’s overall water storages are at 78.7 per cent.
The Herald reported earlier this week that Stage 1 restrictions may be introduced within six months if significant rainfall is not received in the near future.
A Hunter Water spokeswoman said the Hunter-Central Coast pipeline provided additional water security for both regions’ by making better use of supplies and improving drought resilience.
“As well as a drought contingency, the agreement has allowed both organisations to respond to operational incidents and ensure our customers maintain a water supply while we undertake necessary maintenance on our assets,” she said.
The Infrastructure NSW State Infrastructure Strategy 2018 released in March recommended greater networking of water infrastructure across the Hunter, Manning and Central Coast regions.
The strategy recommended a business case to connect Lostock and Glennies Creek dams and build a potable water pipeline connecting Singleton to the Hunter Water network, and closer integration of the Hunter and Central Coast networks.
It also recommended retention of the Barnard River scheme after Bayswater power station’s proposed closure in 2035.
The Hunter region is identified as the “highest priority catchment” east of the Great Dividing Range because of its low “flow utilisation” – indicating there is capacity for growth – and low drought security, the strategy said.
- READ MORE: Pipeline upgrade to avoid cost of new dam
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Matthew Kelly
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
