THE estimated cost of a sewage reuse scheme has almost halved, according one councillor who believes it could be viable option.
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This week the councillors had a workshop meeting on water security options for the city on the back of Mark Rodda's earlier request for a report into the viability of a potable waste-water supply.
"I realise it might be revolutionary thinking in a lot of minds and the governments would just rather hope it rains and their problems will be answered," he said.
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"But I think we need to be a bit more proactive and plan for the future and drier future."
A previous study by Hunter H2O estimated it would cost more than $133 million to convert sewage at Westdale into a drinking supply.
Cr Rodda said a new report to councillors revealed it could only cost $71 million.
While it might not be a solution for this drought, Cr Rodda said it should be investigated in the future and down the track it could be even cheaper.
Turning sewage at the Westdale treatment plan into drinking has been investigated before.
A report was commissioned by Tamworth Regional Council in 2015.
The comprehensive report by Hunter H2O recommended the council pursue four key projects, including the upgrade of Dungowan Dam.
The report estimated an indirect potable reuse scheme, which would see treated wast pumped back into Chaffey Dam would cot $172 million.
"Recycled effluent would provide a reliable, rainfall independent source of water to Tamworth," the report said.
"However, indirect potable reuse via a surface water storage is untested in Australia and has historically faced strong community opposition."
It costed direct potable supply from Westdale at $133 million and considered the scheme nonviable due to community opposition, but said it was likely to be "revisited at some point in the future".