Following a $2.75 million investment by Toowoomba Regional Council, a new Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant is now operational in Clifton, securing the town’s drinking water supply.
The Clifton Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant began supplying the town’s drinking water on Friday, April 22, 2022.
Toowoomba Region Mayor, Paul Antonio, said the $2.75 million investment Council made on the plant would secure Clifton’s short-term water supply.
“Today is a great day for Clifton, we have secured the town’s drinking water supply and can give residents peace of mind that their drinking water is top quality,” Mayor Antonio said.
“Council has worked hard over a number of years to secure a better option for Clifton’s water supply and this new treatment plant is the best option for the town.”
Toowoomba Regional Council Water and Waste Committee Chair, Councillor Rebecca Vonhoff, said the plant would treat water from the Kings Creek Alluvium and Great Artesian Basin groundwater sources.
“The Great Artesian Basin bore for Clifton is now being drawn on and this means the town’s water supply is now coming from more than one source, which is very important for its water future,” Cr Vonhoff said.
“Trucking water into Clifton has stopped and the new plant has the capacity to treat 500kL per day to drinking standards, which is more than enough to supply the town into the future.
“The reverse osmosis plant uses a process where a partially permeable membrane separates and removes unwanted impurities and particles in raw water to make the water safe for drinking.
“Water sampling and testing of the treated water from the plant was completed last week and it was confirmed the water meets Australian drinking water standards.
“Both the Kings Creek Alluvium bore and the Great Artesian Basin bore are being used as sources of water for the plant.”
While trucking water into Clifton has stopped, Council still has trucks on standby for any unforeseen issue with the new water treatment plant.
Minor works around the plant site including drainage and roadworks are expected to be completed within the next few weeks.
