Supplying over 5000 people with water when the dam runs dry - the Stanthorpe water supply story

Abstract

Stanthorpe is a town in southern Queensland in the local government area of Southern Downs Regional Council. Stanthorpe has a stand alone water supply (ie, no connectivity to any water grids) and the over 5000 residents are supplied by Storm King Dam. The capacity of Storm King Dam is just over 2000 ML and the Dam has never run dry in over 60 years, albeit it has come close. Stanthorpe itself does not have a high population growth however is a tourist town and does accommodate a high transient population due to the nature of the horticulture and agriculture businesses in the region. Following years of low to zero rainfall and intense drought coupled with another failed wet season in 2018/19, it became clear to Council that Storm King Dam was going to run dry before the next wet season and actions needed to be taken to ensure ongoing water supply for Stanthorpe. It was too late to plan and build a pipeline from Warwick, some 60 kms away, and Council was not financially resourced for such a project. Working closely with the State Government and consultants and contractors, Council was able to deliver a solution by trucking water from Warwick to new water tanks at Storm King Dam. The total project value is valued at around $15 million with $2.6 million in capital works and the remainder in the carting of the water through to February 2021 (if required). This project is an example of a collaborative solution for a large community, as well as the amazing things we can achieve in a short amount of time when we set our minds to it.