NSW DPI Water has released a short-list of project options to secure a long-term water supply for Broken Hill and surrounding communities.
DPI Water deputy director Gavin Hanlon said water experts have investigated an exhaustive list of long-term water security options and found three projects that warrant further analysis to determine which ones meet the strict economic, environmental and social criteria.
“These long-term water projects are part of the NSW Government’s $500 million investment package to secure Broken Hill’s water supply,” Mr Hanlon said.
“From the extensive list of 19 options, we are now down to three options which will form the basis of an extensive business plan and feasibility assessment.
"The next step is for us to do a detailed analysis of these options and design a procurement process that enables innovation and delivery of the triple bottom line outcomes we are after."
The shortlisted possibilities include:
* a pipeline solution with treated water coming from SA;
* a pipeline option with raw water coming from the Murray River and treated at Broken Hill; and
* Supplementing surface water from the Menindee lakes system with treated shallow groundwater.
Mr Hanlon said the final business case with the preferred options will be finalised in March 2016.
