Copacabana residents can look forward to improved water supply for years to come as work on the next stage of Central Coast Council’s Water Mains Renewal Program prepares to get underway.

Work on the $600,000 project will begin on Monday 3 February with the replacement of over 400 metres of water mains that have reached the end of their design life. Council will also take the opportunity to resurface the asphalt of Copacabana Drive.

Council Director Water and Sewer, Jamie Loader said several unexpected failures of local water mains in recent years prompted the identification of Copacabana as a priority area for water mains renewal program in 2020.

“Copacabana residents and businesses have been impacted by four small main breaks on Copacabana Drive over the last three years representing a moderate impact to customers. This combined with that fact that Copacabana Drive is the main road into and out of Copacabana, any break has the potential to impact locals, including school and business traffic,” Mr Loader said.

“410 metres of water main will be replaced, with the new main being constructed in the roadway to preserve trees, minimise water supply disruptions to residents during construction, and direct any unexpected future releases of water away from properties.

“Copacabana Drive also requires resurfacing and is in relatively poor condition, so we will also take this opportunity to resurface the entire section of road as an added benefit to the community.”

Mayor Lisa Matthews said the annual water mains renewal program is essential to maintaining the integrity of the region’s water supply.

“There are over 2,600km of water mains that we actively monitor, maintain and upgrade to ensure they are working to their optimum,” Mayor Matthews said.

“We are committed to investing in our essential services, such as water, so they meet the needs of our growing community now and into the future.”

Traffic control will be in place to ensure the safety of people on the road, some delays may be experienced. During works residents may also notice a reduction in water pressure, discoloured water or a slight chlorine odour and taste after the mains are flushed. This is normal and water will remain safe to drink.

Council will implement a range of measures to reduce the risk of discoloured water but as a precaution Council asks residents and businesses in these areas to check their tap water, particularly before washing clothes.

Should residents have any immediate concerns they should contact Council on 1300 463 954.

Find out more about key projects at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/waterandsewerprojects