Increased water conservation and stormwater harvesting combined with inter-regional transfers and the introduction of purified recycled drinking water have emerged as the most preferred combination of options for securing the Lower Hunter's water security, the results of a Hunter Water stakeholder survey show.
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Seventy three per cent of the 1100 participants in the Lower Hunter Water Plan survey supported the portfolio that favoured recycling and conservation options.
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It was one of seven portfolios that participants were asked to choose from as part of the feedback project.
A portfolio that increased conservation and stormwater harvesting, combined with inter-regional transfers and desalination attracted 68 per cent support.
A similar portfolio containing increased conservation and stormwater harvesting but with desalination as the only supply back-up attracted 66 per cent.
Two options that contained the construction of new dams in combination with increased conservation and stormwater harvesting attracted 61 per cent.
The survey results will be used to inform the new draft Lower Hunter Water Security Plan, which will go on public exhibition mid-year.
In addition to the portfolio options, participants also indicated strong support for investment to ensure enough water can be supplied to meet minimum customer demands in a severe drought.
The reliability of the water supply during drought was valued most highly followed by cost, environmental and social impacts.
Participants were also supportive of additional investments to achieve environmental goals for biodiversity protection and greenhouse gas emission reductions.
Hunter Water managing director Darren Cleary said the strong relative support for all of the portfolios meant none should be ruled out as the process moved to the next phase.
"This is a very important body of work for our region, particularly as we know the climate is changing and our population is forecast to grow," Mr Cleary said.
"What's very heartening is the community's strong support for water conservation, in line with all the work Hunter Water has been doing to reduce leaks and save this precious resource.
"Interestingly the community has shown support for portfolios that include the supply option of purified recycled water for drinking," said Mr Cleary.
He said Hunter Water would now focus its attention on finalising how the portfolios stacked up against the Lower Hunter Water Security Plan decision-making criteria.
"These have included community values, economic assessment across financial, social, environmental and resilience criteria, and stress testing against future uncertainties," he said.