New, larger treatment plant delivers improvement for growing Dungog community

Hunter Water has completed a new $28 million Dungog Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) as part of a wider commitment to deliver improved services that will benefit the town’s growing population for decades to come.

Construction has also begun on a new wastewater pump station on Windeyer Street, as well as a new rising main pipeline, which will connect the pump station to the recently completed WWTW on Alison Road.

The new plant has replaced an ageing facility, which is now being demolished after serving the community for more than 80 years.

The Dungog WWTW uses modern technology and an innovative design to produce better quality treated wastewater and greater environmental outcomes.

The new pump station is expected to be completed in early 2022 and will replace the existing 75-year-old infrastructure and cater for increased capacity.

Hunter Water Managing Director, Darren Cleary, said the significant investment in the WWTW and related projects was a great outcome for the Dungog community.

“This new plant, and subsequent works, will ensure the growing community is reliably served for many years, while also providing us with ongoing confidence that we can continue to protect the environment.

“A portion of that treated wastewater is then reused on a neighbouring farmland for irrigation, reducing the volume that is released to the Williams River, which is a great result,” said Mr Cleary.

The new Dungog facility is part of a region-wide focus on Hunter Water’s WWTWs, with several sites undergoing major upgrades to ensure reliable operation and service growth.

A $70 million revamp of Farley WWTW, which serves Maitland and surrounding suburbs, is close to completion, while upgrades at Tanilba Bay, Cessnock and Raymond Terrace WWTWs are also currently progressing.