News

Underwater drone to improve monitoring processes

15 April 2024

To ensure that our reservoirs are in good condition, Rous staff perform weekly reservoir integrity inspections to identify structural faults and potential points of entry for wildlife.

Until recently, inspecting the interior of reservoirs required hiring divers who had to be decontaminated before diving into the reservoirs. This was an expensive and potentially dangerous activity and was challenging to organise on short notice.

Because of these factors, Rous has recently purchased an underwater drone. Now, if water quality testing results or external inspections suggest that a reservoir may require further inspection, we can respond immediately, rather than relying upon the availability of trained divers. 

Additionally, due to the cost-saving benefits of the technology, inspections will be more frequent. They will also now include comprehensive videographic records of reservoir interiors.

When using the drone, Rous will be searching for structural faults, such as pinholes in roofing, build-up of sediment on reservoir floors, and any other indication that the integrity of the reservoir has been compromised. The first inspection of a reservoir has already been undertaken to great success.

The addition of the underwater drone will allow Rous to further improve our monitoring processes and continue to provide the highest standard of water quality to the community..

Blue-green algae alert lifted at Emigrant Creek Dam

18 March 2024 (updated from 14 February 2024)

The alert status for blue-green algae at Emigrant Creek Dam has been lifted following a series of "No detection" results for potentially toxic blue-green algae species.
 
Current status: Recent laboratory analyses have shown no detectible concentrations of blue-green algae in the waters of Emigrant Creek Dam. This marks a significant improvement from previous reports and allows us to lift the previously issued alert. To further improve water quality within the dam, the removal of aquatic weeds will be performed in the coming weeks.
 
Health advisory:

• Water use: With respect to blue-green algae, the water from Emigrant Creek Dam is now considered safe for domestic and agricultural purposes. However, Rous cannot confirm that significant algal blooms are not present upstream or downstream of Emigrant Creek Dam.
• Ongoing vigilance: Although the alert has been lifted, algal blooms may occur again soon. Our team will continue to monitor the water quality closely and regular testing will be conducted to ensure the continued safety of the water.

Water Treatment Plant assurance: The quality of treated water produced at Emigrant Creek Water Treatment Plant remains of the highest standard. The plant is equipped to handle various water quality issues, ensuring the safety of drinking water supplied to the community.
 
Our team remains dedicated to providing timely and accurate information regarding water quality and safety. Contact our Water Quality Coordinator at 02 6623 3800 if you have any questions.

Rous County Council rolls out Digital Smart Water Meters to improve regional water sustainability and security

11 March 2024

Rous County Council (Rous) in partnership with Nucleus3 (N3), GreenBe and NPS is currently installing new ‘digital smart water meters’ for the majority of its 2,132 direct water customers. The smart meters and the associated “My Rous” app will provide customers with timely data, and customisable updates and alerts about water usage and leakage detection.

The first smart meters are being installed in Ballina with the remaining customers in the Rous network being connected over the next six months. Work is expected to be completed in June 2024.

Historically, Rous has undertaken manual reading of customer water meters on a quarterly basis. While this is adequate for billing requirements, it provides little information for Rous and our customers on actual water use and any leaks that might occur. Rous’s Group Manager Planning and Delivery, Andrew Logan says, “It’s great to see work finally underway to install smart water meters for our customers. We’re hopeful that with information available at their fingertips on a digital device, our customers can be more mindful of their water use and potentially save money and water if they have a leak on their property.”    

Smart meters will be connected to existing digital communication networks and will provide daily updates to the customer via the My Rous app. The app, developed by GreenBe, will help customers to self-manage their water consumption. Customers will be able to monitor their water use, explore ways to reduce their use, and identify any unusual activity that might indicate a leak. It is expected that this communication system will help save water for the region and money for our customers. 

N3 Program Manager, Shaun Eisel says, “by implementing the smart meters and the My Rous app, Rous is taking a critical step in increasing sustainable water usage which in turn will contribute to a more secure water supply for the local community.” 

“More and more councils and water authorities across Australia are moving to digital water meters to provide more timely information on water usage and patterns of consumption, to better inform future planning. Rous is proud to be taking this step with our customers in the Northern Rivers.” says Andrew Logan.

Rous partners with Water Research Australia to support national framework for purified recycled water treatments

11 March 2024

Rous has partnered with Australia’s leading hub for collaborative water research, Water Research Australia (WaterRA), on a project to support the restart of a National Validation Framework for water treatment processes. The partnership demonstrates Rous’s commitment to the thorough investigation of purified recycled water as a long-term option for a safe and resilient future water supply for the Northern Rivers. 

Purified recycled water for drinking is sourced from wastewater and it requires multiple complex treatment processes. This can include reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration, advanced oxidation, ozonation and chlorination. These processes remove chemicals and micro-organisms to ensure water is safe to drink. Currently each state and territory regulator have their own approach to validation. Known as WaterVal, the framework’s primary purpose is to demonstrate that treatment processes protect public health. It supports utilities to meet the health-based targets in the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and the Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling.  A consistent approach between jurisdictions may also help to streamline the approval process of purified recycled water schemes in Australia.

The combined challenge of a growing population and an increasingly unpredictable climate is being experienced beyond the Northern Rivers. Around the country, water utilities are investigating alternative sources such as purified recycled water. Through a combination of careful management, appropriate use, and community engagement, this is a safe and sustainable option.

Rous’s involvement with this project is an important part of its strategic planning and investigation of purified recycled water as a stage 3 option of the Future Water Project 2060. 
Rous’s support of WaterRA’s project will enable WaterVal’s administration, the coordination of a technical advisory group, and the development of new industry resources. Together with other industry leaders, regulators and experts, WaterRA will be able to continue to lead critical research for the validation of treatment processes.

Since its development in 2011, WaterVal has left a continuing impact both in Australia and abroad and it has been extensively referenced in the World Health Organisation’s Potable Reuse: Guidance for producing safe drinking-water (2017).

Election of Chairperson and Deputy

28 February 2024

Rous County Council has elected its chairperson and deputy chairperson at its first meeting of 2024.Richmond Valley Council Mayor Robert Mustow was elected chairperson and Ballina Shire Council Mayor Sharon Cadwallader was elected deputy chairperson. Both Councillors have held those positions for the last 2 years and will now serve out the remaining term in those roles ahead of local government elections in September 2024.

'I would like to thank my fellow county councillors for their continued support in electing me to lead Rous County Council,' Councillor Mustow said. 'We will continue to find solutions for the challenges specific to this area, especially in the fields of water security, weed biosecurity, and rural flood mitigation. I’m certain that our team of county councillors will work towards finding solutions for these challenges and make a positive contribution to our community,' Councillor Mustow said.

Rous County Council's governing body comprises eight county councillors – two elected representatives from each of its four constituent councils (Ballina Shire, Byron Shire, Lismore City and Richmond Valley).

'I am looking forward to continuing to work alongside my fellow councillors with the aim to deliver beneficial outcomes for our local communities. We take the responsibility that our roles require seriously, and will work towards improved outcomes in water supply, flood mitigation, and weed biosecurity, ' Councillor Cadwallader added. 'The region’s constituent councils, residents, Traditional Custodians, business owners, farmers and others can be confident that our council will continue to manage our natural resources and infrastructure. '

Councillors Mustow and Cadwallader are joined by six other councillors to form a governing body of eight. Those councillors are:

• Councillor Rod Bruem (Ballina Shire Council)
• Councillor Michael Lyon (Byron Shire Council)
• Councillor Sarah Ndiaye (Byron Shire Council)
• Councillor Big Rob (Lismore City Council)
• Councillor Andrew Gordon (Lismore City Council)
• Councillor Sandra Humphrys (Richmond Valley Council)

Councillor Big Rob was also appointed as the Council's member on its Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee.

Ordinary meetings of Rous County Council's governing body are held six times a year (on the third Wednesday of every second month). 

Meeting business papers and minutes are available here.

Blue-green algae at Emigrant Creek Dam - Reduction of alert level

14 February 2024 (updated from 24 November 2023)

Recent laboratory analyses have indicated a downwards trend of blue-green algae levels in the waters of Emigrant Creek Dam. Although there is a general downward trend, the results are highly variable, with sudden increases and decreases in algae concentrations. It is important to remain vigilant as these changes can occur rapidly.

Emigrant Creek Dam is now in a Low Alert status. Please note that genetic testing of Microcystis aeruginosa samples within the dam have confirmed the algal blooms are capable of producing harmful cyanotoxins.

• Maintain caution: Despite the observed downward trend, the variability in algae concentrations means that significant quantities of blue-green algae are likely still present. We advise the public to continue to exercise caution in and around the waters of Emigrant Creek.
• Avoid direct contact: We strongly recommend against swimming or any direct contact with the water in Emigrant Creek Dam, as well as upstream and downstream areas. The potential for sudden increases in algae levels poses a risk, and it is better to err on the side of caution until more consistently low concentrations are observed.
• Consumption warning: It remains potentially unsafe to consume water from Emigrant Creek or use it for domestic or agricultural purposes. Consumption of cyanotoxins can lead to health risks including skin irritation, gastrointestinal discomfort, and more severe issues. Please follow advised safety measures to protect your health and well-being.

The quality of treated water produced at Emigrant Creek Water Treatment Plant will not be affected by the presence of algae in the dam. The treatment plant was designed to account for potential pollutants, the occurrence of algal blooms, and other potential water quality issues.

Our team is actively monitoring the situation and are working to address the issue. Regular water quality tests and assessments will continue to be conducted, and we will provide updates as the situation evolves. Contact our Water Quality Coordinator on 02 6623 3800 if you have any questions.

NOTICE OF INTENT: Replacement of water main – Bangalow Road and Paterson Street, Byron Bay

13 February 2024

Rous County Council (Rous) intends to upgrade a segment of the water infrastructure along Bangalow Road and Paterson Street towards the middle of this year. This work is expected to take between 6 to 8 weeks to complete. (Click on the thumbnail to view map in full.)

During the construction period there will be intermittent lane closures around Paterson Street and Old Bangalow Road. Notifications of dates and times will be provided to road users by visual message boards located on Bangalow Road and updates will be posted on the Rous website and Facebook page.

Aerial survey: Weed Biosecurity

30 November 2023

Update: Survey completed as scheduled.

Rous County Council (Weed Biosecurity) will be conducting low-level aerial surveys throughout the Byron, Ballina and Richmond Valley local government areas for mapping biosecurity matter in all coastline/coastal areas from Byron Bay to Evans Head.

This survey will be conducted on Wednesday, 6 December 2023 from 8.00am to 4.00pm, weather permitting.

For more information contact Rous County Council on (02) 6623 3800.

Blue-green algae at Emigrant Creek Dam - High Alert

24 November 2023 (update from 23 October 2023)

Recent laboratory results indicate that the concentration of blue-green algae has increased significantly in the waters of Emigrant Creek Dam. Although the concentration of toxic species had been trending downwards recently, this increase has returned our alert status to a High Alert.

It is important that everyone continues to take the following precautions:

• Avoid contact: Avoid swimming or any direct contact with the water both upstream and downstream of Emigrant Creek Dam until further notice.
• Do not consume the water: Refrain from consuming water from Emigrant Creek or using it for any domestic or agricultural purposes until the algae levels return to a safe condition.
• Stay informed: Keep an eye on updates to stay informed about the situation and when it is safe to resume normal activities.

Blue-green algae can produce toxins that may pose health risks to humans and other animals. Exposure to contaminated water may cause skin irritation, gastrointestinal discomfort, and other severe health issues. Please follow advised safety measures to protect your health and well-being.

Our team is actively monitoring the situation and are working to address the issue. Regular water quality tests and assessments will continue to be conducted, and we will provide updates as the situation evolves.

Level 1 water restrictions have been delayed

23 November 2023

Rous County Council (Rous) advises the activation of Level 1 water restrictions are not expected before Christmas, as initially predicted, due to higher than anticipated rainfall in the region during November.

Drier than average conditions associated with El Nino negatively impacted the Northern Rivers’ water supply in September and October 2023. However, recent rainfall during November, coupled with the forecast of further storm events, mean that the need for water restrictions is now delayed.

“However, recent weather patterns do not change the current restriction regime,” said Andrew Logan, Group Manager Planning and Delivery, Rous County Council.

“If we experience a dry summer, as predicted by the Bureau of Meteorology, Level 1 water restrictions will continue to be activated when Rocky Creek Dam reaches 70%. “It is important for the community to know that the most recent advice is that El Nino conditions continue. So, whilst our current conditions have been more favourable, the overarching forecast has not changed and as such we are still encouraging the community to follow water saving advice.

“We understand that it can be tempting to relax water conservation efforts during periods of rainfall. However, we want to emphasise the importance of continuing to conserve water and adopting water saving tips to preserve our supply for as long as possible.”

Rous is actively monitoring rainfall data and inflows into Rocky Creek Dam which is currently at 84%. The dam levels are regularly updated and can be viewed on the Rous website. Rous will continue to advise the community of any changes or updates.

“We appreciate everyone’s water conservation efforts and encourage our community to continue to use water wisely and conserve water where possible.”

Sydney's new Purified Recycled Water Demonstration Plant and Discovery Centre

21 November 2023

Before its official opening to the public by Sydney Water, water utility staff from around Australia, including Rous County Council, were invited to attend a site tour of the new Purified Recycled Water (PRW) Demonstration Plant and Discovery Centre at Quakers Hill. PRW is one of a range of water supply options being explored by Sydney Water, Rous and other water providers to maintain a safe and secure supply that can meet the challenges of increasingly unpredictable weather and a growing population.

The new demonstration plant has been designed to showcase the technology behind advanced treatment and purification processes. These processes ensure PRW exceeds the water quality expected under strict Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling. Small-scale plants also help to build community understanding and acceptance of PRW.

The site tour was organised by the Water Services of Australia Assocation (WSAA) for the benefit of other water providers who are investigating these technologies. Rous’s Recycled Water Project Manager, Jeremy Wilson, said the peak body for the water services industry in Australia is hopeful a national approach to the development and management of PRW in Australasia will help garner political and regulatory support and pave the way for its adoption and acceptance within the community.

“Six out of eight states and territories in Australia are looking at PRW, as well as New Zealand, but Sydney Water is the first utility to open a demonstration plant in New South Wales. It’s an important first step in the development of PRW in the state,” Mr. Wilson said.

Also in attendance at the tour were staff from Hunter Water, Tamworth Regional Council, MidCoast Council, Central Coast Council, SEQWater, SAWater, Water Corporation WA who already use PRW in Perth, Canberra’s Icon Water and various Victorian utilities. Two tours of about 20 people went through the centre. Workshop sessions were also held by WSAA so that the invited utilities could share experiences and co-ordinate activities, particularly community engagement.

“There is significant value for all of us to learn from Sydney Water’s experience. While at Rous we are considering developing a pilot plant, we’re also considering other ways of demonstrating PRW technologies and helping build community understanding and acceptance. We may be able to leverage Sydney’s work and it may not be necessary for every utility to produce a pilot plant. 

“The PRW Plant is designed as a walk-through that starts with the history of Sydney’s water supply. It explains the drivers behind the need for diversified sources including population growth and a changing climate and identifies wastewater as an existing resource that can be used. Following this are the physical demonstrations and technologies that achieve purification, including ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, ultra-violet advanced oxidation and chlorination. The demonstration ends by gauging an individual’s sentiment around the use of PRW for drinking water.”

Water produced at this Plant will not contribute to Sydney's drinking water supply. The PRW Demonstration Plant and Discovery Centre will open to stakeholders in small groups. For more information, go here.

View the video (1:24).

Blue-green algae at Emigrant Creek Dam - Low Alert

23 October 2023 (update from 16 August 2023)

Recent laboratory results indicate that the concentration of blue-green algae is steadily decreasing within the waters of Emigrant Creek Dam, remaining within the Low Alert Detection limit for three consecutive weeks.

Although this trend is promising, toxic species of blue-green algae are still detectable within Emigrant Creek and the public are still advised to exercise caution.

It is important that everyone continues to take the following precautions:

• Avoid contact: Avoid swimming or any direct contact with the water both upstream and downstream of Emigrant Creek Dam until further notice.
• Do not consume the water: Refrain from consuming water from Emigrant Creek or using it for any domestic or agricultural purposes until the algae levels return to a safe condition.
• Stay informed: Keep an eye on updates to stay informed about the situation and when it is safe to resume normal activities.

Blue-green algae can produce toxins that may pose health risks to humans and other animals. Exposure to contaminated water may cause skin irritation, gastrointestinal discomfort, and other severe health issues. Please follow advised safety measures to protect your health and well-being.

Our team is actively monitoring the situation and are working to address the issue. Regular water quality tests and assessments will continue to be conducted, and we will provide updates as the situation evolves.

Activation of Level 1 water restrictions brought forward to help preserve region’s supply

19 October 2023

Rous County Council (Rous) advises Level 1 water restrictions will now be activated when Rocky Creek Dam reaches 70 per cent instead of 60 per cent (as stated in the Regional Water Supply Drought Management Plan) to help preserve the region’s water supply.

This amendment was agreed upon at the ordinary Council meeting on 18 October 2023.

Water levels at Rous's primary water source, Rocky Creek Dam, have steadily dropped due to low inflows and an overall increase in water use in the region. The dam is currently at 82 per cent capacity.

Rous proposed to bring the activation of water restrictions forward in response to the Bureau of Meteorology declaring an El Nino and the pressure this weather event is expected to place on the region’s water sources, according to Phillip Rudd, General Manager, Rous County Council.

“The climate model outlooks indicate that the El Nino is likely to continue until at least the end of the southern hemisphere summer 2023–24,” Phillip Rudd said.

“In partnership with our constituent councils, we have decided to activate water restrictions sooner than originally planned to help sustain our region’s water supply for longer and delay the onset of more severe restrictions.

“We anticipate Level 1 water restrictions will be activated before Christmas. This is based on current consumption rates, the weather forecast and our modelling data that determines the predicted depletion rate of our supply.

“With a dry summer coming up very soon, it is important that as a community we are all mindful of our water use so we can save our supply for as long as possible.”

Level 1 water restrictions will apply to the council areas of Ballina, Byron (excluding Mullumbimby), Lismore (excluding Nimbin), and Richmond Valley.

“Level 1 water restrictions focus on residential outdoor water use,” said Andrew Logan, Group Manager Planning and Delivery, Rous County Council.

“The restrictions include not watering established lawns, and only watering established gardens with hand-held hoses for one hour every second day, between 4.00pm and 9.00am, on odd or even days to match the house numbering system.

“A water saving tip we strongly encourage is to fit all hand-held hoses with on/off trigger nozzles.

“We ask everyone in our community to do their part and follow the water restriction guidelines so that, together, we can delay harsher limitations for as long as possible.

“Rous has been working with our constituent council partners to refine the water restrictions and exemptions and develop a water efficiency management plan for businesses to use.”

To prepare for the water restrictions and for more water savings tips, Rous encourages everyone to visit their Water savings and restrictions webpage.

Rous is working to ensure the Northern Rivers has a secure and resilient water supply to meet the community’s needs through its Future Water Project 2060. A new Project Update is available that provides an overview of the work that is underway on each of the key projects. The information provided outlines both short-term actions and the longer-term investigations taking place to secure water to 2060 and beyond.