The public is invited to learn about the vital connection between water and their everyday lives this National Water Week with a tour of some of the MidCoast’s most important water and sewer facilities.
Two tours will be held at the region’s largest facility, Bootawa Water Treatment Plant, combining a behind-the-scenes look at the extensive processes that go into supplying safe drinking water to 80,000 people with an informative walking tour through the thriving koala habitat that surrounds the facility.
Stroud residents can also take advantage of a combined tour of the town’s water and sewage treatment plants, learning from local operators about the processes involved in providing water and wastewater services to Stroud and Stroud Road.
MidCoast Council’s Executive Manager of Water and Systems, Chenxi Zeng, said the tours would help illuminate the hidden connections between our water systems and the rest of our lives.
“We rely on water for so many of our essential everyday activities, but it’s not until we see these facilities up close and learn about the journey our water and wastewater takes that we really appreciate how fortunate we are to have access to these services all the time,” said Ms Zeng.
“Interest in our tours continues to grow, with one of the upcoming Bootawa tours already fully booked. I’d encourage people to reserve a spot now if they want to be a part of them.”
Spots are still available on the following tours:
- Bootawa Water Treatment Plant Tour and Koala Spotting Information Session – Tuesday 20 October, 9am-12:30pm
- Stroud Water and Sewage Treatment Plant Open Day – Saturday 31 October, 10am-1pm
In addition to the tours, MidCoast residents are encouraged to sign up for Water Night, Australia’s annual water literacy event that asks participants to avoid using running taps between 5pm-10pm on Thursday 22 October.
Ms Zeng said the event was particularly relevant as current climate forecasts indicate that warmer and potentially drier conditions may continue over the coming months.
“After several years of above-average rainfall, conditions can change quickly. It’s important that people recognise our shared connection to the water and our shared responsibility to only use what we need,” she said.
“By interrupting an everyday habit, Water Night helps people notice how often they reach for water and better understand its value in daily life.”
For younger water users, Whizzy the Waterdrop will once again be visiting libraries across the region to entertain and educate about the importance of using water sustainably.
Catch Whizzy at Preschool Storytime on the following dates:
- Taree Library – Monday 19 October
- Forster Library – Wednesday 21 October
- Harrington Library – Thursday 22 October
- Tea Gardens Library – Friday 23 October
To sign up for any of these events or find out more, visit https://haveyoursay.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/water-wiser-hub
National Water Week runs from 19-25 October 2026.
