Works have now started on the pipe construction project to help improve water quality at Freshwater Lake at West Lakes.
Following the outcomes of Freshwater Lake investigations and community consultation, Council endorsed the decision to implement an off-line treatment (Option 2A), integrating the Waterproofing the West and the existing wetland system.
Notifications are being sent to residents impacted along Lochside Drive, Windermere Ave and Frederick Road, and traffic management will be in place over this time.
The pipe will help to improve the general water process circulation flow as follows:
- Water is drawn from the aquifer at Corcoran bore and piped into Freshwater Lake Water (as is the current practice).
- The lake water then flows through the lakes and exits through the overflow channel and then flows through the existing Corcoran Reserve settling ponds which will be re-engineered to enhance capacity and and improve water quality. (Note these ponds currently hold water for a short period, and under this proposal will return to being permanent water bodies).
- Water is then pumped from the Corcoran Reserve settling ponds to the bioremediation wetlands in West Lakes Golf Course and Cooke Reserve where it is treated and pumped into the aquifer for re-use..
The pipe project will cost $1m with funds allocated through the budget process for the 2023/24 financial year.
The project is due for completion March 2024.
Project timelines and frequently asked questions can be found on the 'Freshwater Lake Pipe Construction' project page.
To read more about what has led the development of this project and past consultations, visit Your Say Charles Sturt.