Residents connected to the Brogo-Bermagui water supply network will soon benefit from additional treatment measures aimed at improving community health outcomes in line with NSW Health guidelines.
From 3 March 2025, fluoridation will be introduced alongside the existing filtration, flocculation and chlorination processes at the Brogo Water Treatment Plant (WTP).
"Fluoridation has been used on the Bega/Kalaru/Tathra water supply since the early 60s and has been used in other parts of NSW since 1956," Assets and Operations Director, Ian Macfarlane said.
This latest extension of the program will bring fluoridated water to customers in Bermagui, Quaama, Cobargo, Beauty Point, Fairhaven, Wallaga Lake, Wallaga Lake Heights, Wallaga Lake Koori Village and Akolele.
"Extensive community engagement was undertaken in 2017, leading to a Council decision to expand the use of fluoridation in the shire's water supply," Mr Macfarlane said.
"On 21 February 2018, Council resolved to extend fluoride to most of the shire's remaining water supplies. This decision has been crucial in securing state grants for the construction of new water treatment plants, with $15 million allocated for development in Bega and $10 million for Brogo."
Following commissioning and trials on the Brogo WTP, on 24 January 2025, NSW Health approved the addition of sodium fluoride to the Brogo-Bermagui drinking water supply.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has also inspected and endorsed the fluoridation plant, ensuring it meets the NSW Code of Practice for the Fluoridation of Public Water Supplies.
To assist with the capital costs related to fluoridation, NSW Health approved an additional grant of $176,000 on 29 January for the Brogo WTP.
Fluoride will be dosed at a target concentration of 1 mg/L, with strict limits ensuring levels remain between 0.9 mg/L and 1.5 mg/L.
Our operators responsible for fluoride dosing have successfully completed an advanced TAFE NSW certification in monitoring and operating fluoride addition processes, ensuring accurate dosing and adherence to NSW Health guidelines.
NSW Health has commended Bega Valley Shire Council for implementing fluoridation, which has been widely available to most NSW residents for decades.
Council remains committed to delivering safe, high-quality drinking water to the community.
