North West residents asked if they want recycled water

A project looking at the use of recycled water on gravel roads was launched at the end of the year and part of the project is to understand community expectations.

Water security is a strategic priority for the councils involved in Namoi Unlimited, which includes Walcha and four other councils, Tamworth, Gunnedah, Gwydir and Liverpool Plains.

"We all know the availability of water is changing, and the impacts of this drought have been wide reaching throughout our communities," Chair of Namoi Unlimited, and Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Council, Jamie Chaffey said.

"The preservation of water, specifically potable water produced by our local water utilities is critical for the future growth of our region."

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The Water for the Future reports completed by Namoi Unlimited in 2019, made a number of recommendations to address water security.

Namoi Unlimited has been funded by the NSW Government Increasing Resilience to Climate Change program to investigate the use of non-potable water in the maintenance and building of gravel roads.

"The views of the community are important when considering how non-potable water can or can't be used," Cr Chaffey said.

"A survey of your understanding and attitude to the use of recycled water has been rolled out across the five Council areas, and we want to hear the views and we welcome suggestions from our communities.

"Any investment in recycled water and treatment will require long-term planning and preparation.

"This work is intended to help us understand what role recycled water could play in our communities into the future," he said.