In 2019, Bourke featured in the New York Times following a spate of uproar that local water wasn’t only running out, but was unsafe to drink. The new water security system due to be completed in the town this year is less of a reward, but rather a human right being delivered far too late. 

The new $10 million water treatment plant will accompany a $5 million water security project, delivering four new bores, two pipelines and a pump station. 

The plant has been deemed a ‘game changer’ by Minister for Water Kevin Anderson, which promises the delivery of safe drinking water during times of drought. 

Currently, the town’s backup bores are without an effective filtration system. 

While Australia’s standards of drinking water are 180 parts per million of sodium chloride, Bourke’s backup bores have delivered 300 parts per million, almost double the national standards for aesthetic (taste) limit. 

Only used when in drought, 2019 saw reports of Bourke locals sacrificing their health even further by resorting to mixing cordial with the water in an effort to mask its flavour and smell. 

"The new water treatment plant is a game changer, producing up to 3.3 megalitres of water a day, providing the town's 2,000 residents with safer, cleaner drinking water that meets Australian standards – a huge improvement on the old plant that was built in 1964, which was prone to failure and could not treat water to an acceptable level," Mr Anderson said.

During the drought in 2019, the government was required to deliver a reverse osmosis plant to treat the bore water. 

The four new bores are connected to the water treatment plant via 30 kilometres of new pipeline which will serve as an emergency water source during the drought. 

Additionally, a new reservoir in Charles Street due to be delivered at the beginning of December will be able to hold one megalitre of potable drinking water. 

Bourke Mayor Barry Hollman said it marks a new ear in water security for the region. 

"This is a once-in-a-generation project for Bourke, and having infrastructure that is fit for the 21st century has been life changing for our community," Mr Hollman said. 

"You cannot underestimate the importance of having access to clean, top quality drinking water or being able to rely on an alternative water source when the Darling River levels are low,” he said. 

The bore will only be used as an emergency water supply. The final stage of the project, which involves connecting the new pumps to the power grid to eliminate the need for diesel generators, will be completed before the end of the year.