Crystal clear and cutting edge – Council explains tech behind new treatment plant

Bega Valley Shire Council’s Water and Sewer Services (WaSS) team are proud to pull back the curtain on one of NSW’s most advanced and sustainable water treatment plants—right here in Bega.

16 April 2025

Bega Valley Shire Council’s Water and Sewer Services (WaSS) team are proud to pull back the curtain on one of NSW’s most advanced and sustainable water treatment plants—right here in Bega.

Council’s WaSS Services Manager, Steve Marshall said people often assume water treatment is a simple mix of chemicals and filters, but the new $20.8 million Bega Water Treatment Plant tells a different story.

“This plant uses cutting-edge technology to ensure we’re delivering high-quality, crystal-clear water to around 8,000 customers connected to the Bega-Tathra supply line—rain, hail or shine,” Mr Marshall said.

The journey begins with bore water—an often-overlooked advantage for Bega’s water supply.

“Bore water has carried us through many dry spells. It’s high quality but can have higher levels of iron and manganese that can give it a reddish tinge and impact taste,” Mr Marshall said.

“Once inside the plant, the water goes through two stages of filtration. The first catches larger particles, while the second pushes the water through an ultrafine membrane made of thousands of straw-like fibres, each just 0.4 microns wide.”

“From there, water is treated with state-of-the-art ultraviolet disinfection before receiving a final chemical treatment and heading off to households in Bega, North Bega, Tarraganda, Kalaru, Tathra River Estate, Tathra and Mogareeka.

“Adding to its innovation, the plant is partially powered by a 300kW solar powered system, making it one of the most sustainable facilities of its kind in the state.”

This is Council’s third new water treatment plant, following new facilities in Brogo and Bemboka. Planning is now underway for a fourth at Yellow Pinch to service the shire’s south.

To help demystify the process, staff at the plant have created a short video tour, giving the community a close-up look at the technology behind their tap water.

This project was funded through $15.2 million from the NSW Government’s Safe and Secure Water Program and $5.6 million from Bega Valley Shire Council.

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Bega NSW 2550
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