Bermagui Water Tank Replacement

  • Project typeWater and Sewer
  • Project value$1,491,314
  • Completion Date30 November 2025

Council is building a new concrete reservoir to secure safe, reliable water for the Brogo-Bermagui community.


Bermagui water tank.

Project purpose and background

Council is replacing the Bermagui water tank, a concrete water reservoir that has served the Brogo–Bermagui water supply system for nearly 40 years. The current 1.6 megalitre tank has deteriorated significantly with age and is no longer viable to repair. A new 1.0 megalitre concrete reservoir will be built in its place to ensure a safe and reliable water supply for the region well into the future.

Funding

$1,491,314 is allocated to this project from the water fund.

Connection to Council's Community Strategic Plan

This project aligns with Bega Valley Shire Council Community Strategic Plan through:

  • C.1 Deliver and Support integrated water management
  • C1.2 Operate and maintain water supply and sewage network systems to meet health and environmental regulatory requirements and level of service objectives.
  • D.1. Plan for community infrastructure and services that will meet current and future needs
  • D.2. Provide infrastructure and services to meet the needs of residents in our towns, villages and rural areas

Frequently Asked Questions

Why replace the tank?

The tank has reached the end of its serviceable life. Independent assessments confirmed structural degradation and a high risk of failure if the tank is not replaced.

Why not repair it?

Repairs were attempted in 2023 but were unsuccessful due to further internal damage. Rehabilitation was found to be costly, short-term and unreliable.

Why is a new tank the best solution?

A new tank will:

  • ensure long-term water supply reliability
  • eliminate costly ongoing maintenance
  • enhance safety and environmental protection
  • reduce risk of contamination and structural failure.

Why is the new tank smaller?

Population forecasts confirmed the original tank was oversized. The new 1.0ML tank meets all current and future water demand projections,

Will the water quality be affected with the new reservoir?

No negative impacts are expected. In fact, the smaller tank size is likely to improve water quality by reducing the time water is stored between treatment and delivery. The new reservoir will also benefit from the recently upgraded Brogo Water Treatment Plant, ensuring cleaner, fresher water for the community.

Will there be disruptions to my water supply?

No. A bypass system has already been installed to ensure uninterrupted service during demolition and construction. Should any unplanned breaks or interruptions occur, we will notify the community through social media and our website, including an estimate of when the service will return to normal

Where will the new reservoir be located?

The replacement will be constructed on the same footprint of the existing concrete tank and is located on the trunk water system between Cobargo and Bermagui on the Cobargo-Bermagui Road, 1km West of the intersection with Wallaga Lake Road within Bermagui State Forest.

Will this affect forest access or nearby areas?

Temporary access restrictions may be in place during construction within Bermagui State Forest, but this will be managed to minimise disruption.