Cowra seeks NSW Government support for important water upgrades
Published on 02 October 2026
Cowra seeks NSW Government support for important water upgrades
Cowra Shire Council is seeking support from the NSW Government to carry out more than $3.6 million in important upgrades to Cowra’s Water Treatment Plant, helping to protect the town’s drinking water supply into the future.
Council is prepared to contribute $1.8 million from its water fund reserves towards the works and is asking the NSW Government to match this amount through its Safe and Secure Water Program.
The Cowra Water Treatment Plant plays a vital role in our community. It takes raw water from the Lachlan River and treats it through a number of processes before it enters Cowra’s drinking water network and reaches local homes and businesses.
Like any major piece of infrastructure, the plant requires ongoing maintenance, replacement equipment and upgrades to ensure it continues to operate safely and reliably.
The Mayor of Cowra, Paul Smith said the proposed works were about strengthening the safeguards already in place and preparing Cowra’s water infrastructure for the future.
“Safe and reliable drinking water is one of the most important services Council provides to our community,” he said.
“Council is prepared to invest more than $1.8 million of its own water reserves into these works, and we are asking the NSW Government to partner with us and contribute the remaining half.
“This is a significant investment, but it is an investment in infrastructure our community relies on every single day.”
The proposed works follow assessments undertaken as part of the NSW Government’s water safety and risk planning process.
One area identified for further improvement is protection against Cryptosporidium – a microscopic parasite that can contaminate water and is more resistant to chlorine than many other microorganisms. While chlorine is an important part of the water treatment process, additional treatment methods can provide another layer of protection against organisms such as Cryptosporidium.
As part of the proposed program, Council would investigate ultraviolet (UV) disinfection, which uses UV light to deactivate harmful microorganisms in water.
The wider program would also include upgrades to chemical storage and dosing systems, replacement and backup equipment, improvements to the plant’s filters, upgrades to the way sludge from the treatment process is managed, and trials of newer water treatment technology.
Together, these projects would help strengthen water quality safeguards, improve the reliability of the treatment plant and extend the life of existing infrastructure.
“This isn’t about one single upgrade. It is a program of practical improvements that will make our existing treatment plant safer, more reliable and better equipped to continue serving Cowra,” the Mayor said.
“Council has undertaken the planning, identified the priority works and committed to funding half of the project.
“We are now seeking the NSW Government’s support to help us get these important works underway and continue providing a safe and sustainable water supply for the Cowra community.”
The NSW Government’s Safe and Secure Water Program provides funding to help regional communities improve water and sewer infrastructure. The current program is due to close in June 2028.
ENDS