One of the Central Coast’s main drinking water treatment plants at Somersby has recently undergone about $11 million worth of upgrade works.
Gosford City Council’s Director of Construction and Operations Stan Antczak said the recent works included a $3.5 million revamp of the plant’s filtration system.
“Improving the Somersby plant’s 14 filters was an important part of its upgrade requirements.
“These filters remove any remaining particles from the water after it’s been through the first steps of the treatment process.
“The old filters, along with most of the plant’s equipment, had been operating for between 30 and 40 years.
“With existing equipment aging and our population growing, it’s important that we boost the plant’s performance to meet current and future water supply needs.
“This significant investment will also ensure the community’s water continues to be treated to the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and help minimise discoloured water issues for Gosford residents.”
Wyong Shire Council’s Director of Special Projects Greg McDonald said the plant’s electrical and control system had also recently undergone a $6 million overhaul.
“Given its age and condition, Somersby’s electrical and control system needed significant improvements.
“As part of these works, the plant’s operators can now see a real-time snapshot of water quality at all times, including any potential issues so they can respond quickly.
“The Somersby plant is a vital part of the region’s entire water supply system, which makes this investment even more essential.”
Other major work at the plant has included $1 million in mechanical equipment and instrumentation upgrades as well as the earlier replacement of two of its four sludge scrapers worth around $500,000. These scrapers are the first of their kind installed in a water treatment plant in Australia.
Gosford City and Wyong Shire Councils currently plan to spend around $30 million over 20 years to make sure the Somersby Water Treatment Plant continues delivering safe and reliable drinking water to the community.
