Water security for Armidale region town water customers will be boosted by a Puddledock Dam pipeline upgrade officially set in motion today.
Council officials today signed an agreement that formalises funding for an $11.5 million upgrade of the pump station and pipeline linking Puddledock Dam to the region's town water network.
The NSW Government has committed $5.77 million to the project, following support from the Member for Northern Tablelands, Adam Marshall.
"A more robust connection to Puddledock Dam will help to supplement supplies during any future droughts and if there are interruptions to supply from Malpas Dam," Armidale Regional Council Mayor Simon Murray said.
"It's another important piece in the puzzle to bring greater water security for our region."
Puddledock Dam, constructed in 1928, is Armidale's secondary source of raw water, with a capacity of 700 megalitres. However, its pipeline has a top flow of 5.5 megalitres per day, while Armidale's average demand is 14 megalitres per day in summer and can peak at 20 megalitres per day.
"Its current capacity is barely sufficient to meet Armidale's demand in winter, if the Malpas Dam supply was temporarily shut down because of equipment failure or algal blooms," Councillor Murray said.
"This fantastic support from the NSW Government will help give us a reliable, year-round back-up so residents and business are not left without water for an extended period if Malpas Dam goes offline.
"Today's signing is another important step to bring greater water security for our region."
