Mardi treatment plant upgrade continues

Central Coast Council has commenced Shutdown 3 of the major Mardi Water Treatment Plant upgrade.

The works commenced on October 21 and will continue for two weeks with the impact on the community expected to be minimal.

The Mardi Water Treatment Plant upgrade is the largest and most ambitious water infrastructure project the region has seen this decade.

Mardi Water Treatment Plant typically provides around half of all drinking water to the Central Coast and future proofing this asset, ensuring it can continue to deliver safe and secure water to the region, is a key priority.

Director for Water and Sewer Danielle Hargreaves said the third stage of the project meant Council was one step closer to meeting increased water quality targets and expected increased demand in water supply.

“Mardi Water Treatment Plant hasn’t received an extensive upgrade since 1992 and as a result we are challenged in keeping up with community demand when there are increased levels of organic material, sediment and algae in Mardi Dam,” she said.

“This upgrade will deliver a number of benefits towards the security and better management of our precious drinking water throughout the water supply network.

“This includes being able to retain drought contingency supplies and the ability to capture and treat more storm flows.

“Once this major upgrade is complete, Mardi Water Treatment Plant will have the capacity to treat up to the equivalent of 64 Olympic-sized swimming pools per day (160ML), providing quality drinking water to over 210,000 business and homes across the Central Coast and lower Hunter regions, including during algal blooms in Mardi Dam.”

Mayor Lawrie McKinna said the upgrade was an incredible milestone in safeguarding the region’s water security.

“This project will allow Council to meet increased water quality targets and expected increased demand in water supply, optimising efficiency of our water storages for the region’s expected future growth,” he said.

“While there is no anticipated impact on the community during this third stage of the Mardi Water Treatment Plant upgrade, everyone in the community is encouraged to help conserve this precious resource – starting at home.”

Two further shutdown periods are anticipated in 2025.

Council is delivering the $82.5M project with $6.85M in funding through the Restart NSW Safe and Secure Water Fund.

For more information on the project, search ‘Mardi Water Treatment Plant upgrade’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au.

For tips and advice on how to save water at home, go to lovewater.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au