Brewarrina, Lachlan and Warrumbungle councils have secured hundreds of thousands of dollars from the NSW government to upgrade drinking water treatment in four towns.

Treatment plants in Condobolin, Lake Cargelligo, Brewarrina and Coonabarabran each have $150,000 to spend on activities including training for plant operators.

The NSW government formally announced the grants on Friday 21 November for 18 regional and rural councils under the Advanced Operational Support program (AOS).

“The dedicated funding for water treatment operator training means our team will be better equipped to manage and maintain the quality of our local water supply,” Brewarrina Shire General Manager David Kirby said in his council's own announcement on the funding in October. 

"With improved skills and knowledge, operators can respond more effectively to challenges, implement best practices and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

“For residents, this means greater confidence in the safety and reliability of our drinking water. For Council, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to public health and wellbeing."

Brewarrina sources drinking water from the Barwon River. IMAGE: River McCrossen

The program began in 2023 and is aimed at boosting public health by reducing water risks.

In its second phase, it has funded projects for plants in Coonamble, Lightning Ridge, Collarenebri, Bourke and Cobar. 

The program was extended under a third phase from July 2025 to June 2028, and is set to support plants in another 20 locations.

An extra $2 million for phase three will also fund new monitoring equipment, upgraded filters and system automation to help councils act quicker on potential water quality issues.

Warrumbungle Shire's Director of Development Services, Leeanne Ryan, said her council will use the money for "instrumentation services" and automation upgrades.

She said phase three was the first time the shire has received funding for the program after they were unsuccessful with previous applications.

"It will allow Council to monitor the quality of water 24/7 via the existing online telemetry system," Ms Ryan said.

"If there are any issues with quality Council staff will be instantly alarmed and can respond to issues ensuring high-quality water is supplied to our community all day every day."

Lachlan Shire said they will also use their grants to train water treatment operators.

"Lake Cargelligo and Condobolin are vital water supplies for our communities, and improved operational support will help strengthen these systems," said Lachlan Shire mayor John Medcalf said.

"This high level of technical assistance is crucial for long-term planning. Anything that helps secure safe and reliable drinking water for our communities is a positive step and Council looks forward to working with the Department as this support is implemented."

NSW water minister Rose Jackson said the program will give operators skills they need to problem solve water issues.

"Infrastructure is one piece of the puzzle but on-the-ground operational support is also extremely valuable," she said.

"We know regional towns need a leg up to get the most out of their water treatment plants and lock-in a clean, dependable water supply."