Level 4 water restrictions lifted

Photograph: ADF water treatment will stay in place treating water for Brogo-Bermagui customers for another two weeks.

25 February 2020

Level 4 water restrictions that have been in place for the Brogo-Bermagui water supply system have been completely lifted today.

The introduction of the Level 4 restrictions was part of suite of emergency measures implemented, that also included carting water from Bega and the Army’s 2 Combat Engineer Regiment setting up their water purification and desalination system (WPDS) next to Brogo Tank One to help supplement the drinking water supplies.

These measures had become necessary on the back of the Brogo River/Brogo Dam catchment being largely burnt by the Badja Forest and Werri Berri Fires and the heavy rainfall in more recent times badly compromising the water available to feed the supply to Quaama, Cobargo, Bermagui, Beauty Point, Fairhaven, Wallaga Lake, Wallaga Lake Heights, Akolele and the Wallaga Lake Koori Village.

Bega Valley Shire Council’s Water and Sewer Manager, Chris Best, said that quality of water in the Brogo Dam and downstream in the river had improved immensely and had now reached a very acceptable level.   

“Although this is still not our normal operating situation the need for water restrictions is no longer there right now – and no boil water notice is required either,” Mr Best said.

“The Water fill stations at Quaama and Bermagui are also be available again for use.

“No doubt this will be welcome news for our customers in the north of the Shire who have been saving water, however the situation remains dynamic and any heavy rainfall in the catchment could again cause us problems.

 “We acknowledge the difficulty this situation has created for many people and businesses and we are very appreciative of your understanding and cooperation during what has been a difficult and challenging time.

“We are also very appreciative of the tireless work done by our Council teams, local contractors and water carters, and the ADF, who are still working long hours to ensure clean water remains available to everyone,” Mr Best said.

For more information on water across our Shire, visit www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au/water.

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