Water maintenance and projects

Armidale Regional Council is pleased to announce that fluoridation of the town’s drinking water will be reinstated from 12 June 2025, following a significant upgrade to the water treatment system.

As part of Council’s commitment to public health and infrastructure improvement, a new fluoride dosing system has been installed. This modern system replaces the previous method and ensures greater accuracy, reliability, and compliance with national health standards.

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommends the fluoridation of public water supplies as a safe and effective way to prevent dental disease. This guidance is supported by the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (2011), which Council acknowledges and adheres to in its operations.

The community is being informed about the major maintenance works at the Guyra Water Treatment Plant and its raw water delivery system over the next two weeks.

11 June  2025- As part of these essential upgrades, significant work will be conducted on the inlet pipework leading into the raw water balance tank. 

17 June 2025 -Routine deep cleaning of the coagulant treatment tanks. This process is vital for improving water quality, and helping to maintain the standards expected by the community.

19 June 2025- Testing of the Malpas to Guyra pipeline will take place. This critical assessment aims to determine the optimum flow rates into the water treatment process, further enhancing system efficiency and performance.

It's important to note that the water reservoir is currently full, and no water interruptions are expected during this maintenance period. However, the council is urging the community to conserve water whenever possible to support these efforts and ensure sustainable usage.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work towards a better water treatment system for all.

Construction of new 100mm OPVC water mains will take place on the following streets:

Ryanda Street

 On the Western footpath of Ryanda street, beginning at the intersection of Ollera Street and reconnecting into the existing water main at Tenterden Street 

Timeline: 24 March- 24 April 2025

Total length of new water main to be installed: 300m 

Youman Street

On northern footpath of Youman Street, beginning at the intersection of Abercrombie Street and Youman Street extending to O’Donnell Avenue. The work includes the construction of a new water main on the northern side of Youman Street with several road crossings to service properties on the southern side of the road.

Timeline: 24 March- 24 April 2025

Total length of new water main to be installed: 470 meters

Properties that will be affected by the upcoming water main upgrades will receive letters of notification.

ARC has successfully reattached the pontoon to its moorings which had broken loose in early 2024, rendering the pipeline inoperable. The pontoon houses the extraction pump for the Malpas to Guyra Pipeline.

Photos taken during the repair work at Malpas Dam.

The Garibaldi Street Reservoir, with a total capacity of 4 million litres (ML), recently underwent important repair work. Divers replaced the centre pillar support for the roof structure. This repair ensures the continued safety and stability of the reservoir.

The reservoir plays a key role in supplying water to areas like Ross Street, St Patricks, and Lynland Park, and supports the main town zone during busy periods.

These ongoing maintenance efforts help ensure a reliable and steady water supply for the community.

The reservoir was built in the late 1960s, with the roof likely added in the 1990s.

Men working on the repair of Garibaldi St Reservoir.