The ribbon has officially been cut on the Riverina's brand new, state-of-the-art water treatment plant.
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Riverina Water has officially opened its $44 million treatment plant, which transforms murky, mud-filled water from the Murrumbidgee River into the crystal clear water pumped into our taps each day.
Greg Verdon, chairman of Riverina Water and deputy mayor of Lockhart Shire Council, said the opening of the plant was a watershed moment for the region.
"This is a once-in-a-generation infrastructure project which will provide safe, reliable drinking water for decades to come," he said.
The plant can output 55 megalitres of water each day, an increase of 15 megalitres from the previous plant, which was constructed in 1938.
It can also clean much dirtier water than the previous plant as it is designed to treat water with turbidity levels up to seven-and-a-half times higher.
Cr Verdon said this will allow the Riverina to better manage its groundwater and service water allocations and secure the region's water supply for the next 30 years.
"This piece of infrastructure will serve a fast-growing population across Wagga, Lockhart, Greater Hume and Federation council areas," he said.
"It will give confidence to industry that the Southern Riverina is a place to invest in with a reliable supply of quality water."
The new facility can be operated remotely, is monitored online and can be kept on through the whole day if needed.
Up to 850 tonnes of concrete, 1000 metres of piping and 45 kilometres of electrical wires were used to construct the plant.
Riverina Water CEO Andrew Crakanthorp described the launch of the plant as a historic moment for the company, coming off the back of many years of tough construction.
Member for Wagga Joe McGirr said the plant was a momentous achievement for the region.
He said it leaves the Riverina's water supply in good stead as it navigates "incredible growth" over the next few years.
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