Murray Bridge’s water supply will be more secure thanks to an Australian Government-funded project that will save approximately 170 million litres of drinking water per year.
“I congratulate the Rural City of Murray Bridge for starting construction on the project which will reduce the cities reliance on the River Murray for drinking quality water in the longer term,” said Senator Simon Birmingham, Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment.
“We have contributed more than $7 million to the Murray Bridge project as part of our commitment to help major cities and towns secure water supplies through the $679 million National Urban Water and Desalination Plan.
“The Murray-Bridge Integrated Stormwater Management of Reuse Scheme will reduce reliance on the River Murray by 170 million litres per year by reducing demand on valuable drinking water.
“A growing challenge for all of us into the future is improving water security by diversifying water supplies available in urban areas.
“This project is a great example of how the environment and the community benefits when all levels of government work together,” he said.
The project will harvest stormwater from the regional city of Murray Bridge for treatment via a constructed wetland. The treated stormwater will then be used to irrigate parks and sporting fields, improving the aesthetic and recreational facilities within the township.
“This project is about more than infrastructure. It will provide the community with improved recreational facilities and the opportunity for school and community groups to learn about water quality, habitats and ecosystems,” Senator Birmingham said.
“Irrigating our open spaces with stormwater makes the most of the water supplies we’ve got and will reduce the demand on potable water,” he said.
The Australian Government has committed more than $679.701 million in funding to support communities across Australia to deliver innovative stormwater harvesting and reuse solutions through the National Urban Water and Desalination Plan.