Tamworth Advanced Water Treatment Plant detailed business case

Project overview

This project will investigate the construction of an advanced water treatment plant in Tamworth, New South Wales (NSW). The plant, if constructed, could recycle up to 12 megalitres (ML) a day of wastewater from large commercial and industrial users.

In Tamworth, the 4 major food processors use a quarter (25%) of the town's treated water supply. This project will investigate a recycled water solution that would:

• allow industry to reuse their existing wastewater
• reduce demand on drinking and community water supplies by up to 25%.

The detailed business case is due for completion in early 2026.

Expected benefits

Tamworth is a large regional centre in NSW that is vulnerable to the impacts of drought and climate change. The project will:

• investigate a recycled water option to improve the resilience of the region’s water network
• support water security for community and industry.

This sustainable water management practice could:

• assist with increasing industrial demand
• facilitate future industrial expansion to support regional economic growth
• improve water security for the Tamworth community, with up to 95% of industry water able to be recycled.

The increased efficiency and reuse of water could support the Murray–Darling Basin by taking pressure off the already stressed river system. It may also see improvements to surrounding waterway health by reducing salinity levels in wastewater.

The detailed business case will also investigate potential costs and benefits to harvest phosphorus from wastewater during the treatment process. Phosphorus is an essential, yet limited resource. This will further support a circular economy approach.