Hunter Water Dips Into Tomago Sandbeds As Stores Decline

 BY JOHN HEWITT

Hunter Water will start dipping into supplies from the Tomago Sandbeds, following a steady decline in the region's overall water stores. 

Overall water storages are down by more than 20 per cent since last November, leaving levels at 63.7 per cent capacity, which is just above the 60 per cent trigger for Stage One water restrictions. 

Stage one restrictions include reducing daytime outdoor watering and the use of trigger nozzles, along with advice to customers to implement their own measures such as fixing leaking taps and toilets, waiting for a full laundry load and aiming for no more than a four minute shower.

With the long-term weather outlook predicting warmer and drier conditions associated with an increased chance of an El Nino event, Hunter Water has decided to begin supplying drinking water from the Tomago Sandbeds.

Hunter Water executive manager Glen Robertson said the Sandbeds play a significant role in the region's water supply system, providing up to 20 per cent of drinking water during times of shortfall.

He said there may be temporary changes in water taste and colour for some customers but the water remains safe to drink after having been tested at multiple points before entering the drinking water network.

"Groundwater contains higher levels of naturally occurring minerals such as iron and manganese and these minerals can be more difficult to remove during treatment and may occasionally cause some discolouration, which is not a health concerns," Mr Robinson explained. 

In addition to increasing supply through the Sandbeds other initiatives being deployed include working with businesses and communities around ways to save water, and ensuring all water storages remain available to address prolonged periods without rain. 

There is also work underway on a desalination plant, although that won't be available until 2028.

In the meantime, Hunter Water said the additional supply from the Sandbeds, along with smart water choices by consumers, can delay the need for any water restrictions.

It is currently forecasting the 60 per cent threshold for stage one restrictions to be reached in mid to late June.  

Tomago Sandbeds. Picture: Hunter Water

BREAKING! Sewer Main Break At Belmont: Hunter Water Crews On Scene

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter Water repair crews are working to fix a major problem with a sewer main at Belmont.

Newcastle Fire Command says crews from Belmont and the Hazmat unit from Newcastle were called to Capri Close just before 12.30am on Thursday November 20 to reports a sewer main had ruptured.

There were concerns untreated sewage was leaking into nearby Cold Tea Creek.

Hunter Water crews have shut off a sewer pump and restricted access to the area while repairs are carried out.

It's not clear at this stage if the break has impacted local homes or the creek.

Hunter Water has been contacted for comment.
 

 

Burst Main Cuts Water To Lake Macquarie Suburbs

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter Water crews are working to repair a burst water main at Boolaroo.

Fire crews and police were called to the big roundabout on Munibung Road just after 10.00pm on Thursday to find a large volume of water gushing across the road.

It's affecting water supply to residents at Argenton, Boolaroo, Glendale and Toronto.

Hunter Water is asking any customers in these areas who are experiencing dirty water after 8.00am today (Friday 4 July, 2025) to contact them on 1300 657 000. 

 

Water gushes over the road at Boolaroo. Picture Teralba Fire & Rescue

BREAKING! Burst Water Main Causes Flooding At Glendale.

 BY IAN CROUCH

A burst water main is causing major flooding issues for residents and businesses at Glendale.

Fire crews from Cardiff were called to the intersection of Main Road and Lake Road just after 5.30am on Thursday to find a 500mm water main had burst, causing flooding to several units nearby.

There's also a large amount of water over the road.

Newcastle Fire Command says Hunter Water has advised it's unlikely the water will be shut off until around 6.45am.

 
 

Major Repairs Begin On Broken Sewer Main At Hamilton

 BY IAN CROUCH

The westbound lanes of Donald Street at Hamilton will be closed between Lawson and Beaumont Street for up to 10 days from 7.00am today (Wednesday 13 November, 2024) as major repairs get under way on a broken sewer line.

Hunter Water says a section of sewer main has collapsed under the road, with essential repairs involving the deep excavation of a 25 metre long pit to reach the damaged section

Crews will work around the clock for about 10 days, weather permitting, to remove and replace the sewer main.

Traffic diversions will be in place for light vehicles via Lawson and Cleary Streets, and Beaumont and Samdon Streets. 

Desalination Plant Approved For Belmont

 BY IAN CROUCH

Plans for a massive desalination plant at Belmont have been given the green light by the state government.

Construction work on the 530-million dollar project is due to start later this year.

Once complete, the plant will provide up to 30 million litres of drinking water per day to the Lower Hunter, meeting 15% of the region's average daily demand.

In January, Hunter Water modified the plans from a drought response to a permanent desalination plant.

It will be paid for via a new Hunter Water pricing structure for customers to take effect from July 1 next year.

NSW Government to Rule-Out the Privatisation of Hunter Water

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The NSW Government will this week introduce legislation to Parliament to protect Hunter Water from privatisation. 

The first piece of legislation out of the new Minns government, aims to amend the Constitution Act 1902, and will require both Hunter and Sydney water to remain under public ownership. 

The change will mean the companies cannot be sold-off or disposed of. 

Both the Premier and The Minister for the Hunter said they don't want to see Hunter Water suffer the same fate as the state's electricity network and toll roads. 

"We've seen the cost of electricity go up with privatisation, we've seen toll roads and their prices go up under privatisation, and the last thing we want is for water prices to go up," Tim Crakanthorp said.  

Mr Crakanthorp said the Bill represents Labor's commitment to stop selling-off public assets. 

"Hunter Water has served our community for over 130 years; it's provided critical drinking water, crucial infrasturue and profit directed back into the state government," he said.  

"The former government would sell everything but the kitchen sink if they had the chance." 

"We've ruled-out privatisation." 

Labor's Takeover in Full Swing

BY OLIVIA DILLON 

The weekend saw Labor comfortably retain all seven of its existing Hunter seats, in line with a state-wide swing in the party's direction. 

It comes after the Liberals failed to name a host of candidates until the last minute, adding to what's being described as a lacklustre campaign performance across the Hunter and the state.

One of the Labor's biggest results could be seen in Port Stephens, where Kate Washington enjoyed a two-party preferred swing of 16.5%. 

There's now pressure on the incoming MPs and state government to get moving on a number of promised and pressing commitments. 

Namely, the proposed privatisaiton of Hunter Water has been a regionally-contentious issue for some time. 

In the lead-up to the election, Chris Minns and Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp, said the first thing they would do is ensure Hunter Water stays in the public hands. 

"We'll get moving very quickly on stopping privatisation of Hunter Water in particular; we hope to legislate that way in fact," Mr Crakanthorp said. 

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery, who easily retained her long-held seat, agrees it's the first thing on the agenda, but said the corporation needs to do better in working alongside the new state government. 

"They've kept the people at arms length deliberately and played politics over the last 12 years, and they need to start getting in-touch with the wants and needs of people in Wallsend," she said. 

Ms Hornery says the key issue in many Hunter electorates moving forward, will be the region's housing affordability crisis. 

Vote-counting for the election continues today. 

Tim Crakanthorp pledges to never privatise Hunter Water in a social media post.

Hunter residents encouraged to show their love for water

BY SHY-ANN ARKINSTALL

It's Hunter Water's third annual Love Water Day this Saturday, and part of the celebrations for National Water Week.

Hunter locals are being encouraged to get involved by sharing photos or short videos online of how you use smart water practices at home and at work.

We're being reminded we can save water at home by sticking to a four-minute shower, using a trigger nozzle on your hose, watering your garden before 10 am or after 4 pm and ensuring any leaks are fixed as soon as possible.

It's hoped little changes such as these will ensure generations to come are able to live free of fear from water scarcity. 

Hunter Water will also continue to collaborate with schools to ensure the next generation has the knowledge to protect our most precious resource.

With summer quickly approaching, Hunter Water's Renee Fedder says the community needs a reminder about how important it is to conserve water, even during floods.

"It's really important that we're all making smart water choices in our everyday lives," she said.

"Water is fundamental to life and everything that we do, so while it may feel like it's all around us at the moment, it's really important that we do those small things in our homes that can really make big changes for our future."

BREAKING! Burst Water Main Causes Flooding At Toronto

 BY IAN CROUCH

A burst water main is causing major flooding at Toronto.

Newcastle Fire Command says crews were called to Jarrett Street at about 5.15am on Tuesday to find water rushing into a nearby home.

Jarrett Street has been closed to traffic between Excelsior Parade and Oakhampton Court amid fears the road surface could break up.

Hunter Water has been alerted to the incident.

$6 million set to be pumped into Lake Macquarie recycled water irrigation project

BY ALEXANDRA REES

Hunter Water is set to implement a $6 million recycled water project, in collaboration with Lake Macquarie Council. 

The project will see the implementation of an irrigation system, to maintain community parks and sporting fields.

It's hoped the increased water capacity at the Edgeworth Wastewater Treatment Works will make more recycled water available to a number of local ovals, including Jack McLaughlin Oval and Pasterfield Sports Complex.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser says the council is dedicated to making the city's future more sustainable.

"This long-term water efficiency initiative will reduce the use of drinking water for irrigation in favor of alternative water sources," she said.

"It will also ensure we can keep our sporting fields, gardens and other public spaces green, which is important for the amenity and wellbeing of our community."

The decision comes as a response to the 2019 droughts, which left devastating water shortages across the Hunter. 

Hunter Water Managing Director Darren Cleary says it's an important initiative for the community.

"Our community increasingly expects Hunter Water to improve our regions water resilience and sustainability," he said.

 

"That's the real benefit from this project; improving the resilience of beautiful community assets."

The investment is expected to save the equivalent of eight Olympic swimming pools of water. 

Image credit: Hunter Water.

Hunter Water Uncovers Secret Water Deposits

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Hunter Water is one step closer to uncovering a new water source for the region. 

Testing undertaken in 2020 revealed the presence of water beneath the Tomago Sandbeds, in what is now being called the Hunter Palaeochannel. 

The gravel and sand aquifer is said to lie up to 80 metres below the surface, and extends from Morpeth to the Pacific Ocean. 

The testing also revealed the water within the channel has not been exposed to the atmosphere for between 15,000 and 25,000 years. 

Managing Director Darren Cleary said Hunter Water will now work with industry experts to determine how the palaeochannel aquifer recharges and how the source may be used moving forward. 

"We hope that it could be used as a sustainable water supply for the region," he said.

Mr Cleary also said that early work sinking bores into the channel yielded "promising signs". 

"We are exploring it by sinking bores and measuring how the aquifer responds when we pump water out of it. That will tell us how much water we may be able to sustainably extract from the aquifer."

"We will also will be monitoring aquifers around the Tomago area to ensure we are not having any unforeseen impacts there," Mr Cleary said. 

The project has formed part of Hunter Water's draft Lower Hunter Water Security Plan, which is due for release in the coming months. 

 

Belmont Desalination Plant Gets State Planning Approval

BY IAN  CROUCH

The Hunter's future supply of fresh drinking water has been assured, with planning approval granted for a desalination plant at Belmont.

The $200 million plant will be able to deliver up to 30 million litres of drinking water per day.

The plant is part of the draft Lower Hunter Water Security Plan to be released next week.

Hunter Water says having a desalination plant would be a major step to drought-proofing the region and was one of only a few water supply options which doesn't rely on rainfall. 

The Belmont desalination plant has been given
 planning approval.

Plans For Belmont Desal Plant Take Another Step Forward

BY IAN CROUCH

The proposed desalination plant next to Nine Mile Beach at Belmont is a step closer to approval with the release of an Environmental Impact Statement Report.

Although Hunter Water has no immediate intention of building the plant, it wants the plans approved as an on-the-shelf insurance policy if water storage levels in the region drop to critical levels.

The desal plant is one of a portfolio of actions in response to drought - these include extensive water conservation measures, minimising water loss through leakage, operating the Tomago Sandbeds and water transfers between regions.

The revised plans are on public exhibition on the Department of Planning website until October 8 and the community is invited to make submissions.

Aerial View of proposed Belmont Desal Plant Picture: Hunter Water

Burst Water Main Closes Rail Line At Cockle Creek

BY IAN CROUCH

Trains on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line have resumed between Newcastle Interchange and Fassifern following a burst water main that caused flooding at Cockle Creek earlier.

Buses will continue to supplement some train services.

Passengers are also advised to continue to allow some extra time as services return to the timetable.

EARLIER:

A burst water main has forced the closure of the Central Coast and Newcastle rail line at Cockle Creek.

Fire and Hunter Water crews were called to the station at 3.15am on Thursday to find a large amount of water gushing over the tracks.

Hunter Water says crews have shut down the main to allow further repairs to be carried out.

The rail line remains closed and buses are replacing trains between the Newcastle Interchange and Fassifern until further notice.

Hunter Water and Aboriginal Communities Release Children's eBook on Water Care this National Reconciliation Week

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Hunter Water has teamed up with local Aboriginal and education communities to release an industry-first children's eBook designed to teach kids about the importance of water conservation.

Where's Our Water was launched today to coincide with National Reconciliation Week, and tells a story about native animals in the Hunter River by drawing on the traditional knowledge and practices of Aboriginal people in caring for land and waterways.

Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the book was more relevant than ever as regional communities move on from drought.

"It’s important we continue to teach our younger generation about the finite and precious nature of water,” Mrs Pavey said. “Where’s Our Water? is a valuable resource for our kids to learn about water conservation and the role we all have in protecting it now and in the future.”

Hunter Water worked with the University of Newcastle and local Awabakal and Worimi communities to develop the book over a six-month period - and with ten Aboriginal students from Newcastle High School, they created the story and concept through interactive workshops.

The book was also endorsed by the Muloobinbah Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group.

Hunter-based Aboriginal artist Saretta Fielding said it was a privilege to help bring the project to life.

“I’m particularly proud that the story has been developed in two versions to incorporate
the traditional languages of the Awabakal and Worimi peoples, demonstrating the shared value of this resource within our community,” Ms Fielding said.

Image credit: Hunter Water

Hunter Residents To Receive Support on Energy And Water Bills

BY ISABEL EVERETT

The first virtual Bring Your Bills day and community expo is being held next Wednesday the 20th of May, to provide Hunter residents with support on their energy and water bills during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON) is partnering with Hunter Water and Kurri Kurri Community Services to deliver the program, connecting people by phone and/or video with agencies and community support services.

Hunter Water’s Account Assistance team will be available for confidential phone and video appointments to discuss individual accounts and provide advice about payment options.

“We recognise this is a very challenging time for some of our customers and we want to do what we can to support them and alleviate any bill stress they may be experiencing,” said Executive Manager Customer Strategy and Retail, Victor Prasad.

“Hunter Water recently launched ‘We’re all in this together’ campaign to raise awareness of the range of assistance measures we have available. This includes extensions on accounts to give customers more time to pay their bills and interest free payment relief, as well as support for tenants to offset their water usage costs.”

Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW, Janine Young said the virtual Bring Your Bills day is timely because customers will be starting to receive their first energy bills since the COVID19 lock down started.

“Vulnerable customers were struggling to pay their energy bills well before the pandemic.
Now more people may experience affordability issues as household incomes fall and energy use increases, with families working and schooling from home as winter sets in,” Ms Young explained.

In addition to providing support with energy and water bills, there will be agencies available to provide assistance with legal matters, phone and internet bills, and council rates, as well as counselling services.

The event will be held on Wednesday 27 May between 9am and 3pm. Appointments can be made by calling Kurri Kurri Community Services on 02 4937 4555.

Image Credit: Hunter Water

Hunter Water Calls to "Respect the Throne" After Gigantic Fatberg Removed From Belmont

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Hunter Water has renewed its calls for customers to only flush toilet paper, following an increase in blockages at its wastewater treatment plants.

Over the past five weeks, crews have had to remove blockages from pumps and screening equipment, as a result of more products like paper towel and wet wipes being flushed in the wake of the toilet paper shortage. 

It’s prompted the launch of a new awareness campaign calling on our customers and community to ‘Respect the Throne’. 

Acting Executive Manager Service Delivery for Customers, Glen Robinson, said Hunter Water’s strong message is to only ever flush pee, poo and toilet paper.  

“Our workers have reported seeing a significant increase in these materials, particularly at our Burwood and Belmont plants since the start of March, leading to blockages in our pumps and screening equipment."

“We have also removed an additional 22 tonnes of fatberg from our Morpeth wastewater treatment plant since the start of March.” 

“Products such as paper towel, tissues and wet wipes don’t break down quickly enough in water and can cause large, expensive blockages in our wastewater system or in a customer’s own pipes at their cost and inconvenience."

“We understand our customers may be feeling frustrated if they can’t purchase toilet paper at the moment, but it’s really important that if they need to use anything else, then they should bag and bin it instead,” Mr Robinson said. 

Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey, welcomed the launch of Hunter Water’s new campaign. 

“There has been a rise in non-flushable items such as wet wipes being disposed of down the toilet,” Mrs Pavey said. 

“Flushing alternatives to toilet paper – wet wipes, kitchen paper, newspaper or tissues - can have serious consequences for public health and the environment. 

“The Lower Hunter has plenty of toilet paper – people just need to stop panic-buying it. If you must use an alternative to toilet paper, you must discard of it in a bin – no exceptions. 

“It may seem convenient at the time, but it won’t when the sewer overflows or when you have to engage a private plumber to clear a blockage in your plumbing.” Mrs Pavey said.  

For more information on how to ‘Respect the Throne’, visit www.hunterwater.com.au.

Belmont Blockage

Hunter Residents Warned to Only Flush the Three P’s - Pee, Poo and (Toilet) Paper to Avoid Blockages

BY ISABEL EVERETT

In the wake of supermarket shelves being cleared of toilet paper and other sanitation items, Hunter Water is reminding its customers to only ever flush the Three P’s – pee, poo and (toilet) paper.

Hunter water is warning other products such as paper towel, tissues and wet wipes do not break down properly and can contribute to large blockages in our wastewater system.

“Not only are sewer blockages disgusting and unpleasant for our crews to remove, they are also expensive,” said Acting Executive Manager Service Delivery for Customers, Glen Robinson.

“It was only recently in late 2019 that we had to remove a 14 tonne blockage from our wastewater treatment plant at Morpeth. The operation required specialist equipment and took several days to complete. We are now preparing to remove yet another one from the same plant.

“Sewer blockages can also cause overflows into the environment and our waterways, as well as in people’s homes, leading to costly plumbing bills for the homeowner.

“Unfortunately they are an issue for water utilities, not only here in Australia, but around the world.

Hunter Water is also advising drinking water remains safe to drink and there is no evidence that drinking water will be affected by coronavirus or that it is transmitted by drinking water.

Hunter Water says their  treatment plants include robust processes to ensure that treated drinking water is of a very high quality and complies with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and existing water treatment and disinfection processes, including the use of chlorine, are effective at destroying viruses in water supplies.

They are advising there is no need to buy bottled water for drinking and, safe, clean tap water will continue to be supplied directly to Hunter homes every day.

     Blockage removed from Hunter Waters wastewater treatment plant at Morpeth in late 2019.

Opposition Builds Against New Dams In The Hunter Valley

BY IAN CROUCH

A Hunter Valley community group is accusing Hunter Water of ignoring years of community consultation over proposals for two new dams in the region.

Community engagement on the Lower Hunter Water Plan in 2019 showed the majority of respondents preferred water recycling and harvesting as the top two options ahead of building dams, which came in at number 5 on the list.

Hunter Water has now put forward the idea of building dams at Limeburner's Creek and the Upper Chichester.

However the Save the Williams River Coalition says dams are expensive to build and will have a major impact on the environment and the viability of agriculture in the Dungog Shire.

The group says more than 94% of all water for Lower Hunter water consumers comes from the Williams River catchment, so there is already an over-reliance on that catchment and rainfall dependent systems. They say the ill-fated Tillegra Dam was canned due to the "unacceptable level of uncertainty of potential impact on the environment, particularly the Hunter Estuary and its internationally recognised wetlands", so any new dam proposal on this river system would have the same impact.

The state government wants the dam proposals considered as a means of future-proofing the region against drought.

Hunter Water says they are actively investigating all options as part of a comprehensive review of the Lower Hunter Water Security Plan. 

"Aside from water conservation and leakage reduction, no decisions have been made about what options will be included in the revised plan," a spokesperson from Hunter Water said. 

"We are exploring options to supplement our existing water supplies such as desalination, dams, groundwater and water sharing, as well as demand options to reduce the amount of water we use like recycling and storm water harvesting."

"We will continue to inform and engage with our community throughout the review process, before any decisions are made."

The existing Chichester Dam upstream of Dungog