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.

The Armidale Regional Council is currently undertaking de-sludging, or de-watering, operations at the Armidale Water Treatment Plant, located on Arundel Drive. These works began 22 October and are expected to conclude by mid-November 2025, as part of Council’s ongoing commitment to maintaining high water quality standards and ensuring long-term infrastructure performance.

De-sludging is a critical maintenance activity that involves removing accumulated organic sediment, or sludge, from the treatment ponds. This process helps:

• Improve water flow and treatment efficiency.
• Maintain compliance with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) licence requirements.
• Support the plant’s ability to meet Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) and future Health-Based Targets (HBT).

While the works are essential, residents may notice temporary odours near the treatment plant during this period. These odours are a normal part of the de-sludging process and are not harmful.

Council continues to monitor water quality and discharge volumes at EPA Point No. 1, as required under Licence No. 2821. Recent monitoring reports show compliance with discharge standards for aluminium, suspended solids, and biochemical oxygen demand.

Council appreciates the community’s patience and understanding during these essential works. For more information, contact Council’s Customer Service team at 1300 136 833 or visit armidale.nsw.gov.au.

Armidale Regional Council advises that additional essential emergency work will be carried out at the Guyra Wastewater Treatment Plant from Tuesday 25 November to Thursday 27 November 2025.

This work is required to replace critical equipment and prevent untreated sludge from discharging into the tertiary ponds. The EPA has been notified, and all relevant process and safety procedures are being reviewed to ensure minimal environmental impact.

What to expect during this period:

• Odour: Some odour may be noticeable to nearby residents as wastewater and sludge are transferred between storage ponds.
• Noise: Maintenance activities will involve hire equipment, which may generate noise during the transfer process.

Council is committed to completing this work as quickly and safely as possible to protect our waterways and community.

Residents of Guyra are advised that de-sludging, or de-watering, and maintenance works will be carried out at the Guyra Wastewater Treatment Plant from mid-November through December, weather permitting. These essential works are part of Council’s ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving its wastewater infrastructure.

During this period, residents may notice intermittent odours in the vicinity of the treatment plant. These odours are a natural consequence of the de-sludging process and are expected to vary depending on weather conditions, particularly temperature and wind direction.

These works are expected to enhance the long-term performance of the wastewater treatment system, improve maintenance programs, and support environmental compliance under the EPA monitoring requirements.

Armidale Regional Council is asking the Guyra community to be mindful of water usage between 5 December 2025 and 16 December 2025. During this period, the Guyra Water Treatment Plant will be temporarily out of service to dismantle and install new Aluminium Sulfate (Alum) dosing units, a critical component of the water treatment process. As a result, reservoir levels are expected to drop, and we need your help to maintain essential supply. Please avoid watering gardens, washing vehicles, filling pools, or cleaning paths during this time.

The Armidale Regional Council will begin silt removal works at Puddledock Dam in January 26 to allow contract divers to inspect extraction pipework called a 'Trunnion' for repairs/replacement. The Trunnion can be raised or lowered to select the level in the dam that can extract the best quality water.

Puddledock Dam is a vital backup to Malpas, especially during droughts and peak demand. It also allows for maintenance works on the Malpas to Armidale pipeline when needed. Puddledock pipeline was upgraded in 2023 with a new 450mm line and pump station, enabling it to supply up to 3months of water to the Armidale Water Treatment Plant.