Walcha water storage capacity quadrupled

A new 300 megalitre dam has seen Walcha’s water-storage capacity increase by 4 times its previous amount, helping to prepare the region for dry times.

Walcha and its 3,000 residents experienced drought at its worst in 2019, when the town's water supplies hit rock-bottom and severe water restrictions were put in place.

This new water infrastructure will provide residents and businesses with a secure and reliable source of water. It will be crucial as parts of the country are already facing drought conditions.  

Thanks to the increased water storage capacity, the liveability of Walcha will be improved, making day-to-day life just that little bit easier for residents. Local agriculture businesses, such as sheep, wool and cattle, timber and timber-processing, will be able to prosper.

As part of the project, upgrades to the river offtake pumping station will be undertaken early next year. This includes a new pipe network to connect the dam to the town's water supply pump station.

The $11 million project was delivered by the local Walcha City Council and jointly funded through our National Water Grid Fund and the NSW Government’s Critical Drought Fund. It was delivered on time, and in time for the 2023-24 summer.

This is the first of the NSW Connections package ($26.9 million) projects to reach a key completion milestone. The remaining 3 projects are expected to be completed soon.

Learn more

New South Wales Connections Package | National Water Grid Authority