April 2, 2019
Toowoomba Regional Council has started pumping water from Wivenhoe Dam, the first time in eight years that a $187 million water security pipeline has had to be used.
The 38km pipeline connects Wivenhoe Dam to Cressbrook Dam and has the capacity of delivering 27 megalitres of raw water a day.
It was proposed in 2006 by the Toowoomba Water Supply Task Force to shore up Toowoomba’s future water security.
The 38km pipeline was fast-tracked by the State Government a decade ago during drought when there were fears Toowoomba could run out of water.
Construction began in January 2009 and the first pipe was laid in March 2009.
The project was completed in January 2010.
Mayor Paul Antonio said on Monday that Council was sticking to its earlier announcement to start pumping operations from early April in line with Cressbrook Dam falling below the 40 per cent capacity trigger point.
“Under our current agreement the pipeline can provide up to 10,000ML a year to our supply. By beginning operations now, we will be able to use about a third of this allocation prior to July when a new allocation will then become available, should we need it,” he said.
“The combined dam levels in Toowoomba are about 35.5 per cent and although the allocation of water from Wivenhoe won’t fill our dams, it does provide our region with water security for many years to come.
“The recent rain we’ve received has been a blessing but Council is committed to providing long-term water security to our region and activating the pipeline is the first step.
“In addition to this we need to continue working with both the State and Federal Governments and all other interested parties, including the private sector and irrigators across the region, on our long-term water security planning.”
Cr Nancy Sommerfield said the pipeline acted as a “fourth dam” to ensure the region’s water sustainability.
“In preparation, testing and maintenance was performed as part of the recommissioning process and today we’re at a point where we can turn it on,” she said.
Cr Mike Williams said Council set water pricing each year as a part of its Budget.
“Current pricing is set in place until the end of June 2019,” he said.
“Council will look to manage any additional costs through the usual budget processes with the aim of limiting impact on the community wherever possible.”
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