The $180 million Regional Water Supply Scheme involves linking the Clarence Valley and Coffs Harbour bulk water supplies to meet the demand for water in the region up to and beyond 2030.
The population of the Clarence Valley and Coffs Harbour region is expected to more than double in the next 50 years. The current water supply schemes need to be upgraded to ensure a reliable and secure bulk water supply during periods of drought.
Two key elements make up the Regional Water Supply Scheme - A 'non-build' Water Efficiency Program and a $180 million 'build' Project which includes:
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87km of pipeline completed in late 2006, linking the Nymboida River to the Reservoirs at South Grafton, Shannon Creek Dam near Coutts Crossing and Karangi Dam at Coffs Harbour
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Shannon Creek Dam - a 30,000ML off-stream storage commissioned in mid-2009
Bulk raw water can be obtained from Clarence Valley Council, via the Regional Water Supply Scheme pipeline, from the Nymboida River or Shannon Creek Dam as a source of water for Coffs Harbour City Council residents.
If necessary, Coffs Harbour City Council can also provide water via the same pipe network by gravity back to residents of Clarence Valley Council.
Regional Water Supply Scheme Map 2018(PDF, 720KB)
Shannon Creek Dam is located west of the village of Coutts Crossing and can hold 30,000 million litres of water (30,000 Megalitres). The purpose of Shannon Creek Dam is to:
- Ensure the flow of water during dry periods in the Nymboida River and Orara River, protecting the ecology of these rivers.
- Be filled with water from the Nymboida River during high flow periods.
- Supply stored water to Clarence Valley Council and Coffs Harbour City Council during drought periods when water levels in the Nymboida River, Orara River or Karangi Dam are low.
- Supply stored water to Clarence Valley Council and Coffs Harbour City Council when water from the Nymboida River or Orara River becomes excessively dirty (turbid) during times of flood.
Find visitor information for Shannon Creek Dam