First Step to Improving Narrabri Township Water Security Completed

Published on 23 October 2025

Narrabri Shire Council has successfully completed the installation of a larger pump in the Elizabeth Street bore, increasing its pumping capacity from 50 litres per second to 80 litres per second.

Work commenced early on Tuesday, 21 October, with the old pump removed and a full condition assessment undertaken on the bore. By mid-afternoon, the new pump had been lowered into place and electrical works completed. Following flow testing, the upgraded pump was officially online and operating by 5:45pm.

The $140,000 project received $50,000 in emergency funding from the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

The Elizabeth Street bore upgrade will improve Council’s ability to maintain the Namoi Street reservoir within its normal operating range and strengthen the town’s immediate water security that meets the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

Narrabri Shire Council General Manager, Eloise Chaplain, said the upgrade represents an important milestone but reminded residents that further work is required to secure Narrabri’s long-term water future.

“Increasing the pumping capacity of the Elizabeth Street bore helps us manage supply in the short term, particularly during periods of high demand,” Ms Chaplain said.

“However, this is only one part of a broader strategy to improve water security for the Narrabri township.”

Mayor Darrell Tiemens said Council is continuing to advocate for the funding and support needed to deliver lasting solutions, including an additional bore and permanent water treatment plant.

“Our community has done a fantastic job reducing consumption and supporting restrictions, which has allowed us to stabilise supply,” Mayor Tiemens said.

“Council remains focused on securing investment for the infrastructure we need, including a water treatment plant, to ensure safe and sustainable water for Narrabri well into the future.”

Level 3 water restrictions will remain in place for the foreseeable future. While the increased pumping capacity will improve the balance between supply and demand, Council continues to closely monitor reservoir levels as temperatures rise and community demand increases.