Lightning Ridge residents can expect to see one of its two town water bores back online in 2026 after a government commitment to fund a new pipeline.

The NSW and federal governments committed $2.6 million on Friday 13 December to the five-kilometre pipeline, which will run from Bore 1 to Bore 2 before connecting into an existing pipeline that goes into town.  

Work is expected to begin in early 2025 and take at least 12 months to complete.

Bore 1 was taken offline in 2023 because the original pipeline into town had corroded. 

"This extra grant will actually give us the freedom to have the extra water," said Lightning Ridge Miners' Association Executive Officer Kavitha Barron.

"In case something happens to one of the bore lines, you've got the other that can still service the [opal mining] industry and the town.

"The opal industry, obviously, supports the town - its tourism, retail sectors - it's a massive, massive boost to the industry, because without the water there's really not much processing of local dirt."

Opal miners need water to process their haul. IMAGE: River McCrossen

Water is used in cement mixers that separate opal from the claystone the it is found in.

The pipeline will help secure 407 megalitres of water that the two bores are together licenced to provide the town each year.

The original was built about 40 years ago out of concrete, but the new one will be made from more resilient high density plastic.

The money also covers a new remote monitoring system that alerts the local council when there could be a fault, plus replacement for aging pump station pipework and valves at Bore 1.

Walgett Shire mayor Jasen Ramien said the old line has been a drain on council resources.

"It's long past its use by date," he said.

"It's an ongoing job to patch it, repair it, replace sections, and it just got to the stage now where it's just not viable."

Since Bore 1 shut down, Lightning Ridge has been relying on Bore 2, although a spokesperson from the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water said the town will need both to meet demand.

The project is expected to include upgrades to pressure and flow valves on the pump at Bore 2 

The Australian and NSW governments each committed $1.3 million for the project under the National Water Grid Fund.

“Lightning Ridge is one of the most remote and driest locations in the state, so it is a non-negotiable they should have the right infrastructure to safeguard their water supply," NSW Minister for Water Rose Jackson said.

“This investment will ensure everyone has greater access to water to keep up with demand and prevent any impacts to essential services, including the local school, hospital and fire station.”