Following years of complaints about discoloured tap water, Narrandera’s ongoing water problem has recently been in the limelight yet again.

Narrandera Shire Council believes there could be a long-term solution, but it will require millions of dollars in government funding before it becomes a reality.

Narrandera Shire Council general manager Tim Coote appeared on WIN News last week to outline plans to improve the town’s drinking water supply.

Mr Coote acknowledged the local residents’ frustrations, saying improving the town’s water quality remained a council priority.

“It’s no secret that parts of the community really need to have the quality of water increased dramatically,” he said.

Council’s deputy general manager infrastructure, Shane Wilson, has previously assured locals that Narrandera’s water meets Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and is safe to drink despite its appearance.

Narrandera’s water, which is regularly tested, is sourced from groundwater bores located along the Murrumbidgee River.

The bores have filtration systems within, but they also go through the treatment plant, which does some filtration and chlorination.

The council has been developing a 30-year Integrated Water Cycle Management Plan, which proposes shifting more of the town’s water supply from groundwater bores to the Murrumbidgee River.

Mr Coote said the existing bore system was sustainable, but changes would be needed to significantly improve the water quality.

“What we will have to look to do in the future is have more river water being the content for that,” Mr Coote said.

“The process has started, but at current estimates, we’re looking at about 32 million dollars to do a complete build.

“That would almost double water bills to $2000 per year.

“Council is looking for funding from high levels of government to help cover that cost.

“The challenge, as I say, is to keep the pressure on and use all of our advocacy levers to ensure that we get to the next part, after that, which is the important bit and get the actual plant funded.”

Council expects the new water treatment plant design to be “shovel-ready” within the next 12 to 18 months.

“Look, these things don’t happen overnight,” Mr Coote said.

“The design plan is going to take some time.”

In the meantime, the council replaces about two kilometres of ageing water mains each year and routinely flushes hydrants when discoloured water is reported.

The council also provides free household water filters to residents in the worst-affected areas as it works towards a long-term solution.