The ongoing wet weather has caused significant delay to the Eumungerie Water Supply Scheme.
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The scheme, which was originally planned to be finished by September, will provide reticulated water to Eumungerie and Mogriguy.
However, Western Plains Regional Council director technical services Stewart McLeod said construction had been put on hold.
“It’s been a terribly wet winter and it’s just slowed everything down. Even when it stops raining it’s really muddy and messy,” he said.
A 100 kilolitre reservoir is being constructed 16.6 kilometres from the Brocklehurst Pumping Station.
“The main structure of the reservoir is approximately 60 per cent complete. This includes the reservoir stand along with in-ground pipework. The reservoir tank is partially constructed and access platforms, entry ladders and above ground pipework are yet to be constructed,” Mr McLeod said.
The construction of 35 kilometres of pipeline needed for the scheme is 95 per cent complete.
“We’re going to send out letters to all the affected people. We’re just waiting to get a better estimate in the next week or two,” Mr McLeod said.
“We’re sorry we’re not meeting our earlier deadline but we thought it better to let everyone know.”
About 85 customers have applied for a connection to the Eumungerie water supply.
“On the fortunate side, all of the water tanks would be pretty full at the moment and the water usage during winter is only what you would use in the house so they’re not at a disadvantage,” Mr McLeod said.
Council adopted a forward planning proposal to supply reticulated drinking water to Dubbo’s villages in 1995 and subsequently supplied drinking water to Wongarbon in 2000, Brocklehurst in 2001 and Ballimore in 2010.
Currently about 120 residents in Eumungerie and Mogriguy are reliant on rainwater tanks or private bores for their water. The pipeline will connect the villages to the Dubbo Water Supply Scheme.