Central Coast Council’s second and longest temporary shutdown of Mardi Water Treatment Plant as part of its current upgrade is now complete.
The four-week plant shutdown and major upgrade milestone was accomplished as scheduled, aided by the absence of heavy rainfall in July.
The shutdown followed the first shutdown in April and will improve the safety of treated drinking water, durability of existing structures and increase flexibility and efficiency in operating the treatment plant.
Mardi Water Treatment Plant typically provides around half of all drinking water to the Central Coast.
During the shutdowns, water production for the region is supported by Somersby Water Treatment Plant, existing network storages and Central Coast Council’s shared water connection to Hunter Water.
Council Director for Water and Sewer Jamie Loader said future proofing of the asset was crucial to Council’s Water Security Plan and highlighted water conservation as a shared responsibility between Council and its customers.
“As part of the major upgrades, we informed our community that our water supply network would not always operate at full capacity,” he said.
“We thank our customers for supporting the Water Wise Rules during the shutdowns as turning off a water treatment plant in the network can present some level of risk to supply.
“These Water Wise Rules are permanent guidelines, not water restrictions.
“They promote responsible water usage and support future water security of the Central Coast.
“We still have plenty of work to do as we move through the next stages of the upgrade.
“(This) will include shorter shutdowns between September 2024 and September 2025.”
The works will involve completion of design work and continued progress towards construction of the 40m x 50m Dissolved Air Flotation concrete structure.
Central Coast Council Administrator Rik Hart said completion of the second shutdown was a significant milestone.
“It’s important that Council continues to provide ongoing essential services to the community while progressing with the construction of new infrastructure,” he said.
“Completion of the recent shutdown was a key part of the upgrade and allowed the project to remain on-track for completion later next year.
“As the Central Coast’s population grows, so does the demand for water.
“Council’s Water Security Plan aims to ensure a sufficient and resilient water supply for the region into the future.
“Previous investments in the Mardi to Warnervale Pipeline and enhancements to the Mardi High Lift Pump Station have already improved the resilience of our water supply.”
The $82.5M project is being delivered by Central Coast Council in partnership with the NSW Government’s Restart Safe and Secure Water Program which has contributed $6.85M.
To learn more about the major upgrade, search ‘Mardi Water Treatment Plant’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au