An innovative proposal for a “Managed Aquifer Recharge” project (MAR) holds great promise in the effort to drought-proof Sydney’s water supply, Penirith Counsellor Tanya Davies said today.

Councillor Davies is a strong advocate and supporter of Penrith City Council’s feasibility study into a visionary water recycling technology, approved at its December meeting.  This water recycling project may be the first of its kind in NSW.  The project is a sustainable and sensible water recycling technology which is known as a Managed Aquifer Recharge project.

Councillor Tanya Davies met with Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability, Catherine Cusack, to illustrate how the Managed Aquifer Recharge project would work.  “A Managed Aquifer Recharge is like an underground dam: household stormwater is sent to wetlands and pumped underground into the aquifer.  When the water is needed it is pumped out.  It makes complete sense to be responsible and use the water that literally falls in your lap”. 

Cr Davies has been a strong advocate for the study since mid 2009, after seeing a successful project operating in drought stricken Adelaide.

“I am disappointed there has been a lack of initiative and interest in this promising technology. I am calling on all Members of Parliament to fully support this concept for Western Sydney and do all they can to fast-track funding and cut through red tape threatening the progress of the study.

Councillor Tanya Davies adds ‘The City of Salisbury, South Australia, has been using this technology since 1994.  Why has it taken 16 years for the NSW Labor Government to consider bringing this technology to penrith?’ 

The Catherine Cusack congratulated Tanya for her research, advocacy and drive of this project for Western Sydney.   Ms Catherine Cusack added “It is estimated that the MAR project would cost around $3.8m, small change when compared to the $1.86 billion price tag for the desalination plant”.

Although the MAR project is still at the feasibility stage, there are long-term benefits for the local community in securing its own water supply, creating a sustainable environment and enhancing the social well being through the development of wetlands and ecotourism.