Nimbin Water Supply - Pipeline Replacement Project

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About the Project

The water supply to Nimbin town is from Mulgum Creek, where water is drawn from a weir at the top of Gungas Road. This water is chlorinated and delivered by gravity to the DE Williams Dam. The water is stored in the dam, re-chlorinated and pumped to the Nimbin Reservoir to provide water for the residents of Nimbin town as required.

The supply pipeline from the weir was severely damaged during the February 2022 natural disaster. This resulted in approximately 4km of pipeline and road being destroyed, negatively impacting the supply to DE Williams Dam. The damaged pipeline directly supplied approximately 80 properties in Nimbin town.

The immediate works which were put in place as a temporary measure to quicken constructability and secure water supply post flood event, will now be replaced with a permanent solution, that being 200mm diameter pipe to ensure hydraulic capacity is maintained.


When will works begin?

The project has commenced, with hydraulic assessment and options assessment completed. Construction is expected to take place from October 2022 – March 2024 (indicative only- subject to weather, contractor and materials availability.) This will be followed by further testing and commissioning.


Will there be water outages?

As the current pipe is smaller than the old pipe, water flow is limited. Similar to how too many cars on one road can slow traffic and cause a traffic jam, forcing too much water through a pipe can cause the pressure to drop, leading to outages. To keep the village of Nimbin supplied with water, the dam’s inlet valve must occasionally be fully opened. As this lets a large amount of water through the pipeline in a very short period of time, temporary pressure loss and outages may occur.

To minimise the inconvenience for our rural customers, we limit this dam filling process to between 10 pm and 5 am. Due to the size of the dam, filling is quite a slow process, and can last for several weeks at a time. During this time, rural customers may be more prone to off-peak water outages. In the unlikely event that water outages occur outside of these hours, rest assured that Council is aware and working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

The permanent replacement pipe being installed this year, will minimise potential water outages.


Where can I find further information?

Further information and updates will be available via the 'Community Updates' tab of this page.

Additionally, to receive updates directly please contact Lismore City Council via email council@lismore.nsw.gov.au or call (02) 6625 0500 to register your details and feedback. Please reference ‘Nimbin Water Supply’ in your correspondence.

We thank the community for their patience as we continue to work through the consequences of this unprecedented event.


About the Project

The water supply to Nimbin town is from Mulgum Creek, where water is drawn from a weir at the top of Gungas Road. This water is chlorinated and delivered by gravity to the DE Williams Dam. The water is stored in the dam, re-chlorinated and pumped to the Nimbin Reservoir to provide water for the residents of Nimbin town as required.

The supply pipeline from the weir was severely damaged during the February 2022 natural disaster. This resulted in approximately 4km of pipeline and road being destroyed, negatively impacting the supply to DE Williams Dam. The damaged pipeline directly supplied approximately 80 properties in Nimbin town.

The immediate works which were put in place as a temporary measure to quicken constructability and secure water supply post flood event, will now be replaced with a permanent solution, that being 200mm diameter pipe to ensure hydraulic capacity is maintained.


When will works begin?

The project has commenced, with hydraulic assessment and options assessment completed. Construction is expected to take place from October 2022 – March 2024 (indicative only- subject to weather, contractor and materials availability.) This will be followed by further testing and commissioning.


Will there be water outages?

As the current pipe is smaller than the old pipe, water flow is limited. Similar to how too many cars on one road can slow traffic and cause a traffic jam, forcing too much water through a pipe can cause the pressure to drop, leading to outages. To keep the village of Nimbin supplied with water, the dam’s inlet valve must occasionally be fully opened. As this lets a large amount of water through the pipeline in a very short period of time, temporary pressure loss and outages may occur.

To minimise the inconvenience for our rural customers, we limit this dam filling process to between 10 pm and 5 am. Due to the size of the dam, filling is quite a slow process, and can last for several weeks at a time. During this time, rural customers may be more prone to off-peak water outages. In the unlikely event that water outages occur outside of these hours, rest assured that Council is aware and working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

The permanent replacement pipe being installed this year, will minimise potential water outages.


Where can I find further information?

Further information and updates will be available via the 'Community Updates' tab of this page.

Additionally, to receive updates directly please contact Lismore City Council via email council@lismore.nsw.gov.au or call (02) 6625 0500 to register your details and feedback. Please reference ‘Nimbin Water Supply’ in your correspondence.

We thank the community for their patience as we continue to work through the consequences of this unprecedented event.

  • Temporary Road Closure - Gungas Road - March 2024

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    Council wishes to advise that as part of the Pipeline Replacement Project, a road closure is required near 452 - 496 Gungas Road. A closure period of Thursday 7th March to Thursday 21st March has been allocated, taking into consideration potential inclement weather and navigation through waterways. There may be intermittent opening days during this period, subject to progress of works.

    Hours of work for the closure are Monday – Friday, 7am – 5pm. Road will be open during 12pm – 1pm during these times to assist residents. The road will be reopened and accessible over the weekends. Please refer to the attached diagram for details.

    It is recommended that residents who need to use their vehicle during closure period, park their vehicles at Black Sheep Farm crossing on Gungas Road and walk to and from your place of residence. Alternately, if using two vehicles, please utilise parking at Taylors Crossing upstream from the closure, and Black Sheep Farm as to have a vehicle on each side of the closure. All pedestrians will be escorted safely through the site by a member of staff.

    Procedures are in place to ensure residents and emergency vehicles can gain access through the road closure at any time, in the event of an emergency.

    Gungas Road residents located downstream of the road closure will not be directly impacted, however, most residents will receive this notification for reference.


    What are the works?

    Installation of new water pipe (concrete encased) across the culvert crossing as part of the Nimbin Water Pipeline Replacement Project. The purpose of this project is to provide a permanent water supply pipeline. Immediate works were put in place as a temporary measure to quicken constructability and secure water supply post 2022 flood event. The permanent solution, being a 200mm diameter pipe to ensure hydraulic capacity is maintained, is now being installed.

    This project is supported through Commonwealth Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

    For further details, visit Your Say: yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au/nimbin-water-supply

    Who should I contact with questions/concerns?

    We apologise in advance for any disruptions you may experience while we carry out this essential work.

    We appreciate your cooperation with all workplace protection measures to help keep everyone safe. If you have any concerns, please phone 6625 0500 (24-hour service) or email council@lismore.nsw.gov.au.


    Please note: Gungas Road (and adjoining road) residents are invited to attend a meeting on Thursday 7th March, 4pm at Black Sheep Crossing, to discuss current and upcoming Council projects that may impact residents. Further information will be shared shortly.

  • Gungas Road - Townhall Meeting - Thursday 7 February

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    Dear Resident,

    Lismore City Council are aware of several outstanding issues at Gungas Road and wish to discuss the works program with residents. It is proposed to meet with stakeholders on Thursday 7 March 2024 at 4pm. The meeting will take place at the “Black Sheep Crossing” area. Please RSVP via email the details are provided below.

    Agenda

    The agenda for the meeting will include discussion on the following issues commonly raised:

    • Water main projects update.
    • Proposed restoration of Black Sheep Crossing.
    • Proposed restoration of creek crossing at 520 Gungas Road.
    • Section between 350-312 Gungas Road.
    • Section between 452-520 Gungas Road.
    • Sealed pavement maintenance.
    • Drain cleaning.
    • Limitations of Funding and opportunities.

    Meeting RSVP

    To RSVP, please contact floodrecoveryroadsbridges@lismore.nsw.gov.au and include the subject ‘RSVP Gungas Road Meeting’.

    Further Information

    Should you wish to contact us directly with any questions or comments, please call (02) 6625 0500 or email floodrecoveryroadsbridges@lismore.nsw.gov.au and include the title ‘Gungas Road Notice – Feb 2024’.

  • Temporary Road Closure - Gungas Road - February 2024

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    Council wishes to advise that as part of the Pipeline Replacement Project, a road closure is required near 452 - 496 Gungas Road on Thursday 15th February to Wednesday 21st February from 7am to 12pm and 1pm – 5pm, subject to increment weather. The road reopens over weekends. Please refer to the attached diagram for details.

    During these hours, there will be no vehicle access through the closure. It is recommended that residents park vehicles at Black Sheep Farm crossing on Gungas Road and walk to and from your place of residence. NTS traffic controllers will be onsite to escort pedestrians through the work area at any time. All pedestrian traffic will require to be escorted safely through the site by a NTS staff member. Directly impacted residents who live upstream of the road closure will be provided vehicle transportation to their homes upon your request. The road will be reopened each night of the road closure period after 5pm.

    Procedures are in place to ensure residents and emergency vehicles are able to gain access through the site, in the event of an emergency.

    Gungas Road residents located downstream from the works will not be impacted by the closure, however, will receive this notification for reference.

    What are the works?

    Removal and relaying of pipe under Gungas Road as part of the Pipeline Replacement Project.

    The purpose of this project is to provide a permanent water supply pipeline. Immediate works were put in place as a temporary measure to quicken constructability and secure water supply post 2022 flood event. The permanent solution, being a 200mm diameter pipe to ensure hydraulic capacity is maintained, is now being installed.

    This project is supported through Commonwealth Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

    For further details, visit Your Say: yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au/nimbin-water-supply

    Who should I contact with questions/concerns?

    We apologise in advance for any disruptions you may experience while we carry out this essential work.

    We would appreciate your cooperation with all workplace protection measures to help keep everyone safe. If you have any concerns, please phone 6625 0500 (24-hour service) or email council@lismore.nsw.gov.au.


  • Partial Temporary Closure of Gungas Road - January 10th

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    Council wishes to advise that as part of the Pipeline Replacement Project, temporary road closures are required. Full road closures will be required to take place on Wednesday 10/01/24 from 7am to 12pm and 1pm to 5pm. Gungas Rd residents located downstream from the works will not be impacted by the closure, please refer to the diagram.

    During this time, vehicles will not be able to use the road for the duration of the closure. It is recommended that residents park vehicles at Black Sheep Farm crossing on Gungas Road and walk to and from your place of residence. NTS traffic controller will be onsite to assist pedestrians through the work zone at any time and a vehicle lift to residence if required. The road will be reopened each night of the road closure period after 5pm. After hours to be controlled by traffic lights for Stop/Go in the event a section of road/verge is left open for pits and or inline welding.

    In the event of an emergency, an emergency procedure is in place to ensure residents or emergency vehicles are able to gain access through the site at any time.

    What are the works?

    Removal and relaying of pipe under Gungas Road as part of the Pipeline Replacement Project.

    The purpose of this project is to provide a permanent water supply pipeline. Immediate works were put in place as a temporary measure to quicken constructability and secure water supply post 2022 flood event. The permanent solution, being a 200mm diameter pipe to ensure hydraulic capacity is maintained, is now being installed.

    This project is supported through Commonwealth Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

    Who should I contact with questions/concerns?

    We apologise in advance for any disruptions you may experience while we carry out this essential work.

    We would appreciate your cooperation with all workplace protection measures to help keep everyone safe. If you have any concerns, please phone 6625 0500 (24-hour service) or email council@lismore.nsw.gov.au.

  • Temporary Road Closure - Gungas Road - December 2023

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    Council wishes to advise that as part of the Pipeline Replacement Project, temporary road closures are required. Full road closures will be required to commence from Thursday 7th December through to Friday 20th December (subject to change pending ground conditions). Closure durations are as follows: close - 7am and reopen at 12pm, close at 1pm and reopen 5pm. Road closures will happen intermittently during this time during the weekdays.

    During this time, vehicles will not be able to use the road for the duration of the closure. It is recommended that residents park vehicles at Black Sheep Farm area on Gungas Road and walk to and from your place of residence. NTS traffic controller will be onsite to assist pedestrians through the work zone. The road will be reopened each night of the road closure period after 5pm. After hours to be controlled by traffic lights for Stop/Go in the event a section of road/verge is left open for pits and or inline welding.

    The road will be shut in 100m increments as works proceed to the end of Gungas Road, however any residents north of the works zone will not be able to get vehicles through.

    Additionally, as pipework laying/backfill moves further to the end of Gungas Road, so will the parking area available (i.e. residents can park further north). Once pipework moves past resident driveways, they will no longer be affected by the road closures in regard to travelling south into town.

    In the event of an emergency, an emergency procedure is in place to ensure emergency vehicles are able to gain access through site.

    What are the works?

    Removal and relaying of pipe under Gungas Road as part of the Pipeline Replacement Project.

    The purpose of this project is to provide a permanent water supply pipeline. Immediate works were put in place as a temporary measure to quicken constructability and secure water supply post 2022 flood event. The permanent solution, being a 200mm diameter pipe to ensure hydraulic capacity is maintained, is now being installed.

    This project is supported through Commonwealth Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

    For further details, visit Your Say: yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au/nimbin-water-supply

    Who should I contact with questions/concerns?

    We apologise in advance for any disruptions you may experience while we carry out this essential work.

    We would appreciate your cooperation with all workplace protection measures to help keep everyone safe. If you have any concerns, please phone 6625 0500 (24-hour service) or email council@lismore.nsw.gov.au.

  • Project Update - November 2023

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    Council in conjunction with contracting partner NTS Group, are continuing works on the Nimbin Pipeline Replacement Project. Expected completion is March 2024, subject to weather and unforeseen delays.

    Works will continue to be conducted from 7am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. No water outages are expected, however any works that may result in a drop of water pressure will be completed outside of peak times.

    Shall you wish to receive alerts for potential outages, please register below.

    Nimbin Water Customer Contact Details

    Project Update

    Construction has commenced at the Sheathers Bridge end for the new 200mm diameter pipeline, extending to Nimbin weir along Gungas Road. Following all preliminary works being successfully completed, 140m of the pipeline has been replaced.

    Due to the nature of works and required equipment, residents and motorists travelling on Gungas Road should anticipate traffic delays until the project completion.

    The construction activities may lead to elevated noise levels and increased dust. We are aware that these changes could impact nearby residents. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and want to assure you that measures will be implemented to minimize these disturbances.

    Will this project cause water restrictions?

    The most recent water restrictions for Nimbin and current boiled water alerts for Nimbin Rural Line are the result of decreased water flow in Mulgum Creek. The restrictions were in place to manage water supply with forecasted dry weather. Further information on restrictions, will be shared via Council’s communication channels.

    Where can I find further information?

    Further information and updates will be available via Your Say, Nimbin Water Supply – Pipeline Replacement Project: https://yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au/nimbin-water-supply

    Additionally, to receive updates directly please contact Lismore City Council via email council@lismore.nsw.gov.au or call (02) 6625 0500. Please reference ‘Nimbin Pipeline Replacement AF22/2514’ in your correspondence.

    Council appreciates the patience and resilience of this community as we continue to finalise these works.

  • PIPELINE REPLACEMENT PROJECT - Update on Construction

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    supporting image

    Dear residents,

    The water supply to Nimbin town is from Mulgum Creek, where water is drawn from a weir at the top of Gungas Road. This water is chlorinated and delivered by gravity to the DE Williams Dam. The water is stored in the dam, re-chlorinated and pumped to the Nimbin Reservoir to provide water for the residents of Nimbin town as required.

    The supply pipeline from the weir was severely damaged during the February and March 2022 flood event. This resulted in approximately 4km of pipeline and road being destroyed, negatively impacting the supply to DE Williams Dam. The damaged pipeline directly supplied approximately 80 properties between Nimbin Weir and DE William Dam.

    The immediate works which were put in place as a temporary measure to quicken constructability and secure water supply post flood event, will now be replaced with a permanent solution, that being 200mm diameter pipe to ensure hydraulic capacity is maintained.

    When will works begin?

    The project has commenced. However, a construction start date has now been delayed until Q1-2023 for the following reasons.

    1. Under-bore pipelines are not viable at Sheather's Bridge
      1. Further assessments have shown the permanent pipeline is better suited to be attached to the bridge structure. Therefore, extending the design process as options are revisited.
    1. Contractor availabilities for investigation works
      1. Current market conditions are saturated with works due to flood effects
      2. Contractors being unavailable to meet site investigation requirements, causing delays to subsequent works required.
    1. Contractor availabilities to undertake the works
      1. Current market conditions are saturated with works due to flood effects
      2. EOI's have been extended to general market as sufficient local contractors have declined to provide prices, worth note Council has had positive feedback positive feedback for capacity from interstate contractors in Q1 next year.
    1. Scope of works extended to allow for telecommunications pits & conduits to facilitate fibre optic for future data transportations from and to Nimbin Weir.
    1. Revision of temporary crossings due to a temporary crossing failing after significant rain event

    Will the water supply be affected?

    No water disruptions are anticipated from this project, as this pipeline supplies the DE Williams Dam. The DE Williams Dam and High Street Reservoir have ample water supply available.

    Current water restrictions and boiled water alerts for Nimbin are still in place and are the result of elevated turbidity levels due to ongoing and historical weather events. Further information on when these restrictions will be eased, will be shared via direct notifications and on the relevant Your Say pages.

    Where can I find further information?

    Further information and updates will be available via Your Say, Nimbin Water Supply – Pipeline Replacement Project: https://yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au/nimbin-water-supply

    Residents are encouraged to sign up for direct notifications. Please visit: https://lismore-water-operations-public-domain.app.oneblink.io/forms/9621

    Additionally, to receive updates directly please contact Lismore City Council via email council@lismore.nsw.gov.au or call (02) 6625 0500 to register your details and feedback. Please reference ‘Nimbin Pipeline Replacement AF22/2514’ in your correspondence.

    Council appreciates the patience and resilience of this community as we continue to finalise these works.

    Thank you.

    Rebecca Sproule

    Community Engagement

    7 November 2022

  • NIMBIN PLACED ON LEVEL 3 WATER RESTRICTIONS

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    Due to the ongoing La Nina weather pattern, Council has not been able to top up D.E. Williams Dam as the water coming from the weir is high in turbidity and would significantly compromise water quality.

    To ensure the supply of water to Nimbin is not compromised, Council has placed the village on Level 3 water restrictions effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice. Council will also begin trucking in water.

    Please note, the existing Boil Water Notice remains in place as we truck water to Nimbin.

    With turbidity issues expected to continue through Spring and Summer due to La Nina, Council is collaborating with NSW Health and DPIE to develop a solution until the water treatment plant is built.

    The following Level 3 Water Restrictions apply to residential and non-residential premises:

    • Residents and businesses are asked to conserve water wherever possible.

    Gardens:

    • Watering cans & buckets permitted at any time.
    • Hand-held hoses permitted for up to 10 minutes every second day, before 9 am or after 4 pm (odds & evens)
    • Other irrigation systems banned
    • Watering of new turf permitted for up to 30 min on day laid, then 15 minutes every second day, before 9 am or after 4 pm (odd & evens)
    • Usage of water for lawn & garden maintenance totally banned under Level 4 restrictions

    Pools and recreation:

    • Topping up of pools/spas permitted ONLY if done to prevent structural damage. Must be done before 9 am or after 4 pm with a hand-held hose with an on/off nozzle. Emptying and refilling banned.
    • Filling of new pools/spas permitted ONLY if done to prevent structural damage AND if Council has given approval.
    • Recreation usage of water (e.g., play pools, water toys, slides, etc.) banned

    Animal care:

    • Provision of drinking water permitted
    • Wash pets with bucket before 9 am or after 4 pm. Use of hose banned.
    • Operation/top up of fountains/ponds/water features/etc. permitted only to maintain fish life.
    • Installation and filling of new fountains/ponds/etc. banned

    Washing:

    • Washing of driveways, rooves, walls, windows, etc. permitted ONLY if done for health and safety reasons by a registered cleaning business
    • Car washing permitted IF done with an efficient high pressure, low flow rate cleaner with trigger control for less than 5 min either before 9 am or after 4 pm (subject to odds & evens)
    • Washing of boats, boat motors and trailers used in salt water permitted for 5 min at a time
    • None of the washing outlined in the above dot points is permitted under Level 4 restrictions

    To receive Nimbin water direct email updates, please register your details: https://lismore-water-operations-public-domain.app.oneblink.io/forms/9621

  • Water Outages and Low Pressure

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    Dear Residents,

    Feedback has been received from customers connected to the rural water supply line, about intermittent water losses during off-peak times. Council would like to clarify the cause of these outages and provide an update on how we are working to resolve these issues.

    During the February 2022 natural disaster, approximately 4km of main water pipeline along Gungas Road was destroyed. This water main was used to take water from the Mulgum Creek weir to the D.E. Williams Dam, which supplies the village of Nimbin with water. When the pipe was destroyed, our rural customers lost their water supply, and supply to D.E. Williams Dam was severely impacted.

    To quicken constructability and respond to the urgency of the situation, Council made the difficult decision to temporarily replace the old water main with a readily available smaller diameter pipe. Our Water and Wastewater team worked tirelessly with the ADF to install the 4kms of pipe, which was operational within 6 weeks of the flood.

    As the new pipe is smaller than the old pipe, water flow is limited. Similar to how too many cars on one road can slow traffic and cause a traffic jam, forcing too much water through a pipe can cause the pressure to drop, leading to outages. To keep the village of Nimbin supplied with water, the dam’s inlet valve must occasionally be fully opened. As this lets a large amount of water through the pipeline in a very short period of time, temporary pressure loss and outages may occur.

    To minimise the inconvenience for our rural customers, we limit this dam filling process to between 10 pm and 5 am. Due to the size of the dam, filling is quite a slow process, and can last for several weeks at a time. During this time, rural customers may be more prone to off-peak water outages. In the unlikely event that water outages occur outside of these hours, rest assured that Council is aware and working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

    The immediate works which were put in place as a temporary measure to quicken constructability and secure water supply post flood event, are now being replaced with a permanent solution, that being 200mm diameter pipe to ensure hydraulic capacity is maintained. For more information and updates on this project, please visit Your Say – Nimbin Water Supply, Pipeline Replacement Project: https://yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au/nimbin-water-supply

    In addition, water potability announcements, ongoing water supply updates and information will be shared on the Your Say – Nimbin Water Security page: https://yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au/nimbin-water-security

    Should you have any further concerns or questions regarding your water supply, please call the Customer Contact Centre on 6625 0500 or email council@lismore.nsw.gov.au

    To receive email updates on your water supply, please follow the below link.

    https://lismore-water-operations-public-domain.app.oneblink.io/forms/9621

    Thank you for your understanding and patience during these trying times.

  • Project Update Thursday 6 October

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    The project to reinstate a permanent solution has commenced. However, the detailed survey required has been pushed back one month due to the complexity of the site, among other factors.

    However, the design is still anticipated to be complete by end of September. Procurement for materials and contractors is underway, and construction is still forecasted to commence October this year.

    Environmental consultants have been engaged to conduct a Review of Environmental Factors (REF). Geotechnical engineers are also investigating the locales of the creek crossings for understanding the possibility to under bore pipe at future bridge sites.

Page last updated: 08 Mar 2024, 12:46 PM