Hunter Water will seek further community input into water supply and demand options as part of its review of the Lower Hunter Water Security Plan.
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A new round of community consultation will commence later this month that will give individuals the opportunity to provide direct input into the plan's development.
Acting chief investment officer, Emma Berry, said all options were on the table and no decisions had been made about which options would be included in the revised plan, which is due to be released next year.
"Through the major review of the LHWSP, we have considered a long list of options to reduce the amount of water we use, supplement our existing water sources and respond to drought," Ms Berry said.
"We have been actively exploring these options to ensure we understand the environmental and social aspects, technical feasibility, reliability and costs of each.
"Understanding our community's values and preferences for different options is central to this work. This information has guided us in the development of 'option portfolios' to assess against a range of criteria as well as future uncertainties."
Hunter Water is seeking to drive down the region's demand for drinking water through increased recycling and stormwater harvesting schemes to irrigate public spaces and provide water to industry.
Other conservation measures include reducing system leakage.
"We are also investigating ways to supplement our existing water supplies. These include water sharing with other regions, groundwater, recycled water, dams and desalination," Ms Berry said.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Catherine Cusack said the plan was a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach to ensure the region had a sustainable and resilient water supply.
"Hunter Water is working across Government, with key stakeholders and the community to review the LHWSP, to ensure the Lower Hunter has a secure and adaptable water system that can respond to population growth, as well as future uncertainties such as climate variability," said Ms Cusack.
"We need to find new ways to reduce the water we all use and consider new sources of water now, so we are ready should we need them in the future.
Information about the options being considered is available on Hunter Water's website: hunterwater.com.au/our-water/water-supply/water-in- the-lower-hunter/planning-for-the-future
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