The biggest water infrastructure investment in Manilla for more the 60 years has reached a major milestone with commissioning of the new water treatment plant. Work started on the Manilla water supply upgrade in February 2020 and is scheduled to be complete in February 2022.

Once final testing is complete this week the treatment plant will commence supplying water to the town from the Manilla River. Residents may experience a slight change in the feel and taste of the water while the change occurs. The water treatment plant will primarily treat water from the Namoi River once the pump station refurbishment is complete early next year providing the Manilla community with a more reliable supply of treated water.

The new water treatment plant will replace the over 88-year-old plant currently situated in Court Street and will have the capability to treat up to 3.5 megalitres per day from both the Namoi and Manilla Rivers.

Recent construction works have included demolition of existing structures on the Council-owned property between Kanangra and Reservoir roads, construction of a new pump station on the Manilla River, installation of concrete tanks, construction of numerous sheds for housing pumps and compressors, and many kilometres of pipelines.

The official opening of the Water Treatment Plant will be early in the new year at the completion of the Namoi River pump station refurbishment at Chaffey Park.

NSW Government are investing $3.768 million through its Restart NSW’s Safe and Secure Water Program with Tamworth Regional Council investing $16.032 million to the project.