CHAFFEY Dam water levels might be on the increase but a pipeline connecting it to the city is set to stay in the hands of the state government.
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Water NSW has been approved as the manager for Chaffey Dam Pipeline until November 21, 2021, according to documents from Tamworth Regional Council.
NSW Water Minister Melinda Pavey gave the approval for the water entity to operate the lines, after it made the application to remain Authorised Person. Water NSW already manages Chaffey Dam, which is Tamworth's main water supply.
Council had previously bid to become the pipeline manager, but the request was knocked back. Council then wrote to Minister Pavey detailing its view of the most appropriate long-term operating regime for the pipeline.
Council had argued for operation at all times, with water released into the Peel River from Chaffey Dam only when the demand for water in Tamworth, Moonbi and Kootingal is above the capacity of the pipeline to supply.
At its ordinary council meeting tonight, councillors will receive and note the report "Operation of the Chaffey Dam Pipeline - Extension of Interim Approval".
In the report, a number of changes to the operational plan have been listed, but not everything council requested has been implemented.
The new authorisation will not allow the pipelines to be operational at all times.
However, it does set a guideline for the pipeline and associated pump station to be operated for maintenance and flushing purposes.
The report says council staff have been in contact with Water NSW to discuss this change further.
Both are currently working out how to clear the stagnant water currently in the pipeline and how the pipeline will be operated in the future to prevent the water from stagnating.
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These discussions were not concluded when the report was prepared, and discussions concerning the long term operation of the pipeline continue
Council has previously criticised some of the management of water releases from the dam which has seen Tamworth, Moonbi and Kootingal's water supply dwindle over the course of the drought.
It has made repeated requests of Ms Pavey as recently as August to address its concerns over the pipeline's management among other concerns.
