Dubbo Regional Council has been working with NSW Public Works to prepare tender documents for the design and construction of a new fluoride dosing system for the John Gilbert Water Treatment Plant.
This has been out to market with the tenders closing on 28 February.
Residents of Dubbo have not had fluoride in their water since January 2019 when the city's fluoridation equipment failed and remained offline until it was brought to the attention of the new CEO in April 2022.
Water fluoridation is the process of adjusting the amount of fluoride in drinking water to an optimal level to help reduce tooth decay. Dubbo's water supply currently only includes natural fluoridation.
Affected water includes potable town water from the John Gilbert Water Treatment Plant which covers Dubbo, Wongarbon, Eumungerie, Ballimore, Mogriguy and Brocklehurst.
Staff from Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) and NSW Public Works will now assess the tenders and prepare a report to be considered by Council. Prior to the report to Council, the Department of Planning and Environment will be required to approve the proposed contractor for these works.
"Since being made aware of the lack of fluoride in the water in April 2022, Council staff have done everything they can to make sure the situation is rectified for the public as soon as possible."
"After the contract has been awarded Council will be able to provide more accurate timelines based on the successful contractor's submission," Director Infrastructure Luke Ryan said.
The first stage of the contract will be detailed designs.
