Ever wondered where your drinking water comes from? MidCoast Council is opening the doors of its biggest water treatment plant, and a patch of koala habitat comes with the tour.
Two tours will run at the Bootawa Water Treatment Plant, the region’s largest facility. They give a behind-the-scenes look at how safe drinking water is supplied to 80,000 people, plus a walking tour through the thriving koala habitat around the site.
Stroud residents can also join a combined tour of the town’s water and sewage treatment plants. Local operators will explain how water and wastewater services reach Stroud and Stroud Road.
“We rely on water for so many of our essential everyday activities, but it’s not until we see these facilities up close and learn about the journey our water and wastewater takes that we really appreciate how fortunate we are to have access to these services all the time,” said MidCoast Council Executive Manager of Water and Systems Chenxi Zeng.
Demand is already strong.
“Interest in our tours continues to grow, with one of the upcoming Bootawa tours already fully booked,” Ms Zeng said.
“I’d encourage people to reserve a spot now if they want to be a part of them.”
Spots are still available on two tours. The Bootawa Water Treatment Plant Tour and Koala Spotting Information Session runs on Tuesday, 20 October, from 9am to 12:30pm. The Stroud Water and Sewage Treatment Plant Open Day runs on Saturday, 31 October, from 10am to 1pm.
Residents are also being asked to switch off the tap for Water Night, Australia’s annual water literacy event. Participants avoid using running taps between 5pm and 10pm on Thursday, 22 October.
Ms Zeng said the event was particularly relevant because current climate forecasts indicate warmer and potentially drier conditions may continue over the coming months.
“After several years of above-average rainfall, conditions can change quickly,” she said.
“It’s important that people recognise our shared connection to the water and our shared responsibility to only use what we need.”
“By interrupting an everyday habit, Water Night helps people notice how often they reach for water and better understand its value in daily life.”
For younger water users, Whizzy the Waterdrop is back at libraries across the region for Preschool Storytime. Whizzy will visit Taree Library on Monday, 19 October, Forster Library on Wednesday, 21 October, Harrington Library on Thursday, 22 October, and Tea Gardens Library on Friday, 23 October.
National Water Week runs from 19 to 25 October.
To sign up for any of these events or find out more, visit https://haveyoursay.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/water-wiser-hub
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