UP to 50 people have joined the blockade of the Manilla bulk filling station, in protest of water carters using the water to fill up swimming pools.
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Resident Jerry Clare said the action started when people witnessed the water carters taking their load to pools.
"A few locals asked the carters where the water was going, and they were basically told to go and get you know what," Mr Clare said.
"So some of them followed the carters and watch them take it to swimming pools."
"We don't mind taking it to people or households who are struggling, but taking it to a pool, that's beyond a joke.
So far no water carters had turned up.
"They're aware of what we are doing, so they're staying away," Mr Claire said.
Police attended the scene, however the Leader understands they left without any further action.
"We're going to stay here as long as we can," Mr Clare said.
"We're making our stand no matter what."
Mr Clare said there was a perception among some residents that Tamworth Regional Council was indifferent to Manilla's water needs.
"They don't give two hoots about us," he said.
"Manilla's been bled dry to support people in Tamworth."
The towns of Manilla and Barraba are both supplied by Split Rock Dam and used a combined total of use between 400 and 600 megalitres a year.
Split Rock Dam is currently at 0.8 per cent, which is roughly 3176 megalitres.
The pipeline will pump water from the Manilla River, near the town's current bridge across to the weir and pumping station on the Namoi River, 2.4 kilometres away.
The work was initially intended to be completed as part of a new treatment plant for the town, but it has been brought forward by about four months.
A community meeting about the bulk filling station has been scheduled by the protesters at Manilla's Bird Park at 5pm.
- Northern Daily Leader
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