$200 million upgrade starts at Bryn Estyn

The Bryn Estyn water treatment plant at New Norfolk. 

WORK on Tasmania’s largest water treatment plant upgrade has begun at Bryn Estyn just outside New Norfolk, with the aim of ensuring water quality and supply for future generations.

TasWater Capital Delivery Office alliance program manager Ian Penman said the project was going ahead without delay, using all the measures necessary to stay safe during the coronavirus pandemic. “The upgrade of the Bryn Estyn Water Treatment Plant is a crucial part of ensuring we can continue to give our customers safe and reliable water to drink for decades to come,” Mr Penman said.

“We have had water supply challenges in the past, including the need to slow down production to deal with the algae residue in the warmer months, and below average rainfall which contributed to recent water restrictions,” he said.

“The plant upgrade plays an important role in ensuring we can increase water supply and storage, and improve water quality, especially in the hotter months when demand increases.” This upgrade is the largest single infrastructure project undertaken in TasWater’s history, with an expected investment of up to $200 million over the next three years.

“Importantly, at a time when many Tasmanians and local businesses are struggling, it will provide employment for many local contractors who will be involved in the construction,” he said. “The upgrade of this plant means we will have water security into the future, even if we continue to experience dry summers and the continued population growth expected in southern Tasmania."

The Bryn Estyn Water Treatment Plant is the primary water supply for Hobart and surrounding areas. The original plant was commissioned in 1963 and expanded in 1972. A further upgrade was completed in 1992 and the latest work has been designed to enable future upgrades occur by adding additional modules to accommodate expansion of the plant, allowing for future population and supply growth.

Mr Penman said TasWater remained committed to safely implementing its capital works program during this pandemic, providing much needed stimulus to the state’s economy and employment market. The upgrade is expected to be completed in 2023.