Servicing Kiama Municipal Council area
We continue to work closely with Kiama Municipal Council and the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) to maintain the south coast lifestyle and support future growth across the region.
Our work helps identify changing needs to keep pace with providing timely water-related services to the communities in our area of operation.
It’s important we cater for growing needs in the Kiama Local Government Area (LGA) and continue to provide answers to help you through the challenging, recent weather events.
With the Kiama area’s success comes growth and the need for long-term planning. That’s why we’re developing the Illawarra Regional Master Plan that will align with DPIE's Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan 2041.
Our plan will serve to protect and enhance the region’s rich assets, and plan for a sustainable future with world-class water services.
For more information
We’re here to help! You can always contact us on 13 20 92 during normal business hours. To report faults, leaks or overflows, call 13 20 90 (24 hours).
If you’d like to receive updates and information about what is happening in your area, send us your contact details by filling in this form or using the below QR code.
We continue to work closely with Kiama Municipal Council and the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) to maintain the south coast lifestyle and support future growth across the region.
Our work helps identify changing needs to keep pace with providing timely water-related services to the communities in our area of operation.
It’s important we cater for growing needs in the Kiama Local Government Area (LGA) and continue to provide answers to help you through the challenging, recent weather events.
With the Kiama area’s success comes growth and the need for long-term planning. That’s why we’re developing the Illawarra Regional Master Plan that will align with DPIE's Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan 2041.
Our plan will serve to protect and enhance the region’s rich assets, and plan for a sustainable future with world-class water services.
For more information
We’re here to help! You can always contact us on 13 20 92 during normal business hours. To report faults, leaks or overflows, call 13 20 90 (24 hours).
If you’d like to receive updates and information about what is happening in your area, send us your contact details by filling in this form or using the below QR code.
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Improving the wastewater system near Barney Street
Share Improving the wastewater system near Barney Street on Facebook Share Improving the wastewater system near Barney Street on Twitter Share Improving the wastewater system near Barney Street on Linkedin Email Improving the wastewater system near Barney Street linkWe’ve been working to improve the wastewater system off Barney Street, Kiama, to help reduce wastewater overflows on private properties during wet weather events.
When we started in February 2022, we honestly thought our project would be finished by now and the new Emergency Relief Structure (ERS) that we’ve been building would be operational.
Unfortunately this project has not gone to plan and we’ve had a number of setbacks. The latest being deficiencies found in the Epoxy coating applied to the new ERS. Repairs will need to be made to this coating to ensure it functions as intended into the future.
The remaining work on site includes:
- remediation of the Epoxy coating inside the ERS
- test and commission the new ERS
- installation of safety screens beneath the concrete lids.
We’ll be starting to do these activities from Monday 12 February and will try to finish as soon as we can. Due to the nature of the remaining work, it will happen intermittently, and residents will notice some temporary ATF fencing around the ERS from time to time. We’ll aim to leave this in place for as short a time as possible.
Access to the beach, shared pathways, car park, picnic tables and showers will not be affected.
We sincerely appreciate the cooperation from the community that we’ve continued to receive and we apologise that this project has taken longer than originally expected.
Epoxy is a protective paint used on concrete surfaces in wastewater systems for water proofing and to protection against corrosion.
Timeline photos
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Bombo Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF)
Share Bombo Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) on Facebook Share Bombo Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) on Twitter Share Bombo Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) on Linkedin Email Bombo Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) linkBombo WRRF is located on a 20.4 ha site in a former quarry on Bombo headland off Darien Avenue. The facility serves the townships of Kiama Heights, Kiama, Bombo, Kiama Downs, and Minnamurra. In 2005, flows from Jamberoo were transferred to the facility.
The facility was constructed in 1984 as a secondary wastewater treatment plant using intermittently decanted aeration lagoons (IDAL) as the secondary treatment facility. A cliff face underwater ocean outfall was constructed in 1984 to dispose of the treated wastewater to the South Pacific Ocean.
In 1993, two catch ponds were constructed to facilitate attenuation of decanted wastewater flows and to capture solids if sludge is carried over during the wastewater decant phase.
In March 2005, a new fourth IDAL, an extra step screen, grit tank and two additional sludge tanks were added.
The Bombo WRRF produces biosolids. This involves dewatering one of the facilities sludge lagoons, bringing in heavy machinery to deliver a mobile centrifuge used to create the biosolids, and load the end product into semi-trailers to remove from site. Currently 100% of the biosolids produced at our facility are beneficially re-used in agriculture, forestry, and land rehabilitation.
This activity happens every five to six months, with the next dewatering process to start in March 2024, taking about three weeks to finish. Unfortunately there may be intermittent odours during this time and we apologise for the inconvenience this may cause local residents, but we do appreciate your patience and understanding as we complete this work as quickly as possible.
Bombo WRRF Update May 2024
We’ll soon be starting a series of construction projects to improve the operation of the Bombo Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF).
Chemical Dosing Unit
We will be installing a chemical dosing unit at the sludge lagoon. This unit will enable us to introduce magnesium hydroxide liquid (MHL) to our treatment process to address odours during sludge lagoon dewatering.
This specialised unit administers precise doses of MHL to effectively neutralize odours during the treatment process. The project will include storage tank, mixer, dosing pumps, valves, safety showers, and a bund for chemical deliveries. It will be automated and integrated into the plants existing control system. The magnesium hydroxide storage and dosing system will be sheltered under a carport type roof and contained in an existing concrete embankment. We’ll be doing some civil work to facilitate the installation of this unit which will include the building of a truck turning bay for the chemical truck.
Work is scheduled to begin in early May and will take up to seven months to complete, weather permitting.
Dewatering delayed and will now begin in May
At Bombo, we produce organic solids (sludge) during the wastewater treatment process. This sludge is collected and processed to convert it into a safe fertilizer product called biosolids. We use sludge lagoons to break down and stabilise the sludge. This makes nutrients available to plants and reduces pathogens and odour. Finally, we use a high-speed centrifuge to remove water from the biosolids (dewatering), making it easier to transport in trucks.
We previously let you know that dewatering will begin in April, however, due to wet weather, this work was delayed and will now commence in early May.
What you need to know
- During dewatering, there may be a slight increase in odour for up to two days. To minimise the impact on our community, we’ll have odour neutralising spray system setup around the dewatering operations.
- During construction, there will be an increase in noise and traffic, particularly along Darien Avenue, as contractors, delivery trucks and special equipment is required on site.
Bombo WRRF Update July 2023
Last year, Sydney Water completed an extensive odour monitoring program from which, a report was developed that outlined a number of odour reducing project options.
These options are currently being planned and will be delivered by Sydney Water in stages over the next three years.
Current short term works include:
- Finalising the design of an active carbon filter on the inlet works exhaust system, due to be installed in 2024.
- Finalising plans to install a chemical dosing system to neutralise odours from the lagoons, with installation planned for 2024.
Both these projects are designed to reduce odour emissions from the Bombo facility.
Completed short term works:
Sydney Water has been proactively working to ensure odour from the Bombo WRRF is controlled as much as possible. The following activities have been completed:
• all drains around inlet works of the plant has been covered.
• leachate from the grit/screenings bin has been plumbed and sealed
• all vents have been sealed
• grit withdrawal has been programmed to only occur at night.
We are currently finalising our long term plans for Bombo WRRF, once these have been confirmed, we will provide the community with an update.
Dewatering in August:
At Bombo, we produce organic solids (sludge) during the wastewater treatment process. This sludge is collected and processed to convert it into a safe fertilizer product called biosolids.
We use sludge lagoons to break down and stabilise the sludge. This makes nutrients available to plants and reduces pathogens and odour.
Finally, we use a high-speed centrifuge to remove water from the biosolids (dewatering), making it easier to transport in trucks.
The next dewatering is scheduled for this August and during this time there may be a slight increase in odour because of this process. To minimise the impact on our community, we will have odour neutralising spray system setup around the dewatering operations.
Reporting Odour
If you’re experiencing odour issues you can let us know using a short online form or by clicking report odour . This is the quickest way to submit your experience and for us to respond.
Where do I get more information and help?
If you would like to be kept informed about the project and receive updates via email and/or SMS, please provide us your details by clicking here
If you would like to know more, please contact our community engagement team on 1800 006 113 (option 6) or email us at Delivering4Customers@sydneywater.com.au.
Thank you for your cooperation during this essential work.
Bombo WRRF Update February 2023
Recent Odour Issues
There was an increase in odour at the Bombo Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) in January. This odour was coming from one of the sludge lagoons that was brought online on 11 December 2022.
Bombo WRRF operates sludge lagoons as part of the treatment process to capture solids in line with its NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) licence. The plant operates up to two lagoons based on demand. At the time of the odour, one of the lagoons was full and the second was required to come online to maintain performance. When a lagoon comes online, it can take several weeks for a crust to form on the surface and cap odours.
The crust that had been developing, was softened by rainfall on 30 and 31 December 2022. Strong winds in the subsequent days also impeded the re-formation of the crust, potentially allowing odour to emanate from the lagoon. The operations team monitor the formation of the crust and it is checked daily during operating hours.
With the recent dry weather, the crust has thickened and is developing well with local odour subsiding. As the crust continues to develop on the lagoon over the coming weeks, it will greatly assist in reducing potential odour impacts.
Future Plans
Sydney Water is working to reduce odour around the Bombo Water Resource Recovery Facility by covering all drains around the plant and sealing all vents.
An upgrade to the facility, which will further reduce odour issues, has been approved and will be completed in stages over the next three years. We will provide the community with an update on these plans in the coming weeks.
Kiama Downs Rising Main Project
A temporary pipe was installed on the ground along Cliff Drive, Kiama Downs, eight years ago. Although this was a temporary solution following a landslide which caused permanent damage to the original rising main aqueduct, the pipe is sound and inspected regularly.
The replacement project has proven to be complex, involving multiple stakeholders and landowners. It is also a site with unstable ground conditions, difficult access and is adjacent to a rail corridor.
In collaboration with Transport for NSW, investigation work including geotechnical surveys has been completed. An options assessment and an options report identifying a solution is also complete. Draft design drawings for the identified solution have been prepared.
The project team is progressing with stakeholder engagement to get agreement on the preferred solution, access arrangements, site setup/construction area, and work towards delivering this project as a priority.
Need to contact us?
If you need to report odours, please fill in our odour survey form or call us on 13 20 90 (available 24/7), so we can investigate the cause and fix anything that may not be working properly.
For more information, call our community engagement advisor, Dounnia Lahoud, on Deliverning4Customers@sydneywater.com.au or call 1800 006 113 option 6.
For those interested in the technical information:
- Sludge - is the residue that accumulates in WRRFs. Sludge is the solid, semisolid, or slurry residual material that is produced as a by-product of treatment processes. With further biological treatment to reduce pathogens, odours and particles that attract insects and vermin, we produce biosolids.
- Decanter centrifuge – separates solid materials from liquids in the slurry.
- Boot – is the location where the solids settle.
- Slurry – is a thin, sloppy, wet mixture of liquid and solid components that is a by-product of the treatment process.
- IDAL – intermittently decanted aeration lagoon. Wastewater is collected in the IDAL tanks and pumped with air through diffusers. The air works with microorganisms in the tank to break down nitrates (nitrification) and organic matter.
- Diffuser – is an aeration device used to transfer the air into the tank.
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Planning for future assets
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Our planning not only looks at the long-term, but also works to address current needs. That’s why we’ve recently finished an options assessment for the Kiama Growth Servicing Project.The aim of the project was to determine the preferred servicing option that will:
• provide integrated water services to new dwellings for the next five to 15 years
• comply with the Environmental Protection Licence (EPL) for wet and dry weather flow requirements while supporting growth
• minimise impact of integrated water services on the community, public health and the environment.
Upon delivery of the infrastructure, the benefits will include:
• providing timely water-related services to new developments
• reducing the frequency of wet weather overflows from our network.
We'll soon be starting preliminary designs at which time we'll reach out and talk to external stakeholders, the local community and directly affected residents.
Along with the Kiama Growth Servicing Project, we're also re-imagining the role of water for Illawarra region and developing a Regional Master Plan that will support the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment's (DPIE’s) Draft Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan.
Our Master Plan will set the long-term (40 years) direction to address future challenges and opportunities, and to explore the broader value of water for the community and environment. The consideration for servicing options will go beyond the basic water supply – collection system, and will look to integrate and enhance the economic value of water for water sensitivities in the Illawarra region.
Remember, if your property can't currently connect to the Sydney Water wastewater network, you'll need to install and operate an on-site wastewater management system. And you’ll need Council approval to do this. More information can be found on Council’s website here.
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Combatting the weather
Share Combatting the weather on Facebook Share Combatting the weather on Twitter Share Combatting the weather on Linkedin Email Combatting the weather linkOverflows at Kendalls Beach and Black Beach during our most recent heavy rain events remind us that everyone has a part to play to help protect our wastewater network. And it begins in the home.
What you can do to help
Only flush the “three Ps” down your toilet:
- pee
- poo
- paper (toilet paper!).
Don’t flush:
- wipes
- cotton buds
- nappies
- dental floss
- tissues
- hygiene products
- paper towels
- medicine.
Also remember, you shouldn’t connect your property’s stormwater drainage to your wastewater drainage. These cross-connections increase flow in our wastewater network during wet weather which can lead to overflow events like those recently seen at Kendalls Beach and Black Beach.
What happens if you flush more than the three Ps?What you do and don’t flush matters! Anything flushed outside the three Ps (pee, poo and toilet paper) chokes our network and increases the chance of overflows in and around your home during heavy rain. Wet wipes are still the major culprit being flushed. Please dispose of these and other items on the “don’t flush” list with your regular rubbish.
Flushing only the three Ps helps protect our network and the environment.
What we’re doing to help
We’re trying to reduce wet weather overflows by replacing, relocating and upgrading Emergency Relief Structures (ERS) and other assets.
During heavy rain, stormwater can get into the wastewater system through cracked and damaged pipes, or incorrectly connected private property pipes.
ERSs reduce wet weather overflows by diverting excess stormwater out of the wastewater system. In turn, this prevents overflows (or surcharges) inside people’s homes or from our maintenance holes in public areas.
Our Kiama Customer Surcharge Package 14 is being planned and will:
- relocate an existing ERS near Kiama Surf Beach, decommission the old one and modify existing stormwater drains and vents in the area around Barney Street
- upgrade an existing ERS at BIG4 East Beach Holiday Park.
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Jamberoo Village advice for wastewater connections
Share Jamberoo Village advice for wastewater connections on Facebook Share Jamberoo Village advice for wastewater connections on Twitter Share Jamberoo Village advice for wastewater connections on Linkedin Email Jamberoo Village advice for wastewater connections linkJamberoo’s wastewater system was constructed as part of the NSW Government’s Priority Sewerage Program (PSP) more than 10 years ago. At that time, the system was designed to cater for the immediate village and allow 10% growth within the village from minor subdivisions or extensions such as granny flats.
Our network is now at capacity which means no additional connections to our wastewater network can be made.
It is important that current and future property owners within Jamberoo seek advice from Sydney Water and Council to determine what wastewater servicing options are available to them before starting any development or renovation of their property.
If you'd like to connect to our water or wastewater system, you'll need to engage a Water Servicing Coordinator (WSC) who can help with your application to adjust, extend or connect into our pipes.
WSCs who are experienced with Pressure Sewer Systems (LP) can answer questions about your wastewater connection options and can facilitate project management, design and construction of any required work on our system.