THE FOLLOWING SIX YEARS

- In 1995, recycled water use in Sydney was around 6 billion litres per year. In 2005 it was 15 billion litres and by 2015 it is anticipated that around 70 billion litres per year of water will be recycled.

- This will be partly achieved through the construction and operation of a major Western Sydney Recycled Water Initiative. The first stage of this project in the North West growth area will replace environmental releases from Warragamba Dam, ultimately providing recycled water for homes and agriculture. Future development plans for the South West growth area are underway.

- Major investment in new sewerage systems will be necessary to meet projected economic and residential growth in Sydney, the Hunter and the Illawarra. Importantly, waste water from new sewerage schemes in the Growth Centres is to be recycled through wide scale dual reticulation.

- The Government will continue to maintain dam integrity and security of rural water supply, including major upgrades at Chaffey and Blowering Dams.

- As part of the Government's commitment to the regions, assistance towards improving water and sewerage schemes will be provided.

SECURING THE WATER SUPPLY

[Access: 5.5 Estimated Total Costs Table - PDF]