Goondiwindi Regional Council, Queensland, has successfully trialled blending a small percentage of water from the new Gubbermunda aquifer bore into the town’s normal river supply.
The lightly blended supply is treated to exceed Australian drinking water quality standards.
Mayor, the Honourable Lawrence Springborg AM said, “This is the first trial of light blending in Goondiwindi, and it’s an important step in extending our town water supply and providing more security for the future.
“Council has invested significantly in the installation of two new bores in Goondiwindi, and we need to make absolutely sure that we’re right to go, should the situation arise where we have to rely on blended supply in the future.”
The beginning of 2021 heralded the region’s seventh year of drought and despite looking green, a lack of good run-off in the catchment meant dam levels were very low and water restrictions continued into March.
While good March rainfalls have refilled local dams and water restrictions may soon be eased, water security will remain an ongoing issue for the region.
Council received $4.2 million in funding from the State Government towards a number of major water infrastructure projects for the region, including the installation and connection of the two new Great Artesian Basin bores in Goondiwindi, along with upgrades at the water treatment plants in Goondiwindi and Inglewood.
Council allocated a total of $6.5 million to upgrade water security infrastructure across the region this financial year.
Other projects include the installation of new or replacement bores in Texas and Yelarbon, desilting the Yarrilwanna waterhole at Bungunya, and increased storage facilities at Toobeah.
Council has started drilling three new test bores in Inglewood as part of an effort to establish an additional water supply and greater long-term water security for the town.
