Looming stink over recycled wastewater in drinking supply amid Warragamba Dam conflict

Any plan by Labor to lower Warragamba’s storage level could lead to recycled water going in Sydney’s drinking supply, Minister Kevin Anderson has warned.

Sydney’s drinking water would need to come from recycled sewage if Labor lowers the storage capacity of Warragamba, the government has warned.

Water Minister Kevin Anderson has now ruled out using recycled water in Sydney’s drinking supply, declaring: “purified recycled water will not be used for drinking under a Liberal and National Government”.

Using purified recycled water to augment dam storage has been repeatedly flagged in departmental reports to the government.

But The Daily Telegraph can reveal that the Ministers have told bureaucrats to stop any work about putting recycled water in the drinking supply.

In contrast, NSW Labor has conceded that “alternate” water sources would be required if Warragamba’s storage capacity is reduced in order to mitigate floods – something Labor Leader Chris Minns has repeatedly floated as a potential policy.

Secret government briefings have warned lowering Warragamba’s storage level could lead to permanent drought. Picture: NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard

Mr Anderson said any plan by Labor to lower Warragamba’s storage level would require Sydney’s drinking water to be recycled.

“Under a Labor Government, recycled water could be used for drinking in order to make up for the water supply shortfall of which dropping the dams full supply level will do,” he said.

Water Minister Kevin Anderson has accused Labor of wanting to use recycled wastewater in Sydney’s drinking supply. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short

Labor’s Water spokeswoman Rose Jackson says her party has “no plans” to use recycled water for drinking. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dylan Coker

“Only one party has left the door open to use sewerage water for drinking and that’s the Labor Party.”

As part of Greater Sydney Water Strategy, released earlier this year, bureaucrats called for “public consultation” about purified recycled water – which involves purifying wastewater to a level that is safe for drinking.

The water strategy suggests recycled water could eventually be included in Sydney’s drinking supply if it gets the green light from government. Mr Anderson has now ruled that out.

Labor’s Water spokeswoman Rose Jackson has repeatedly left the door open to pursuing purified recycled water.

However, last week, she said Labor has “no plans to use recycled water for drinking”.

“The only people who have been preparing and considering options to do just that is the government. In fact they have spent millions of dollars and many years looking at it,” she said.

Labor Leader Chris Minns has ruled out raising the dam wall. Picture: NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard

Confidential departmental modelling has previously warned that lowering Warragamba Dam’s storage level could put Sydney into permanent drought.

It would require alternative water sources – potentially recycled water, or extra desalination plants.

Mr Anderson said lowering the dam’s storage level could cost households up to $260 per year in higher water bills.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government intention to raise Warragamba Dam does not require any additional water supply,” he said.

“The only way is up. Raising the dam’s wall is the best option and that’s what this Government will do.”