Govt Support Program to Strengthen Local Water Quality and Safety

Published on 25 November 2025

Snowy Valleys Council will benefit from specialised technical assistance to enhance the performance, safety and reliability of its water treatment systems in Talbingo and Batlow.

Council’s Director of Infrastructure and Works, Duncan Mitchell, said the Advanced Operational Support (AOS) program - delivered in partnership with the NSW Government and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) - will provide Council with hands-on technical expertise to help optimise existing water treatment infrastructure and boost the capability of on-ground operators.

“As part of the program, our water treatment operators will receive specialised skill-building training in diagnosing and resolving treatment challenges, particularly during periods of rapid changes in raw water quality,” Mr Mitchell said.

“By working directly alongside Council staff, the AOS team will help us reduce drinking water quality risks, improve workplace health and safety, and strengthen Council’s ability to respond to changing water conditions,” Mr Mitchell went on to say.

At the end of the program, Council will receive a detailed plan outlining both immediate and long-term opportunities for operational improvements across its water treatment plants. This will guide future investment and ensure assets continue to perform reliably over time.

Funding provided through the program will then be used to implement the improvement actions identified in the comprehensive AOS report, further supporting Council’s commitment to delivering high-quality, safe drinking water for residents.

AOS is part of the successful $52.8 million NSW Government’s Town Water Risk Reduction Program, which has provided support to local water utilities across regional NSW addressing issues including water quality, dam safety and training for utility operators.

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