Borefield is almost ready

The earliest the Woy Woy borefield is likely to be brought online is early to mid-August, according to Gosford Council's manager of asset management Ms Pam McCann.

Ms McCann said the plant had been undergoing a series of tests to ensure water produced was suitable for community use and also that the operational and contractual obligations of the contractors were met.

"Gosford Council will decide when to distribute the treated water only after the test results are satisfactory," Ms McCann said.

"The earliest distribution can occur is early to mid August 2007.

Ms McCann noted that streamflows would currently be used in preference to the treatment plant.

"At present, there are good streamflows from water catchments areas at Lower Mangrove Weir, Mooney and Mardi Dams," Ms McCann said.

"This water is being captured via pumping to both Somersby and Mardi Treatment Plants and will be used in preference to the new Woy Woy Water Treatment Plant to effectively store the rainwater in the aquifer on the Peninsula for times when the streamflows are reduced in the water catchment areas."

Ms McCann also noted that, at present, council had no intention of specifically harvesting stormwater to supplement the borefield at Woy Woy.

"The aquifer is recharged by annual rainfall and infiltration, which does include a component of storm water," Ms McCann said.

"It is beneficial to utilise the natural processes of the sand aquifer in the area to filter and reduce pollutants and/or organic loads, and use the aquifer as a default storage system."

Lyle Stone, 30 Jul 2007