8.4: Water Issues

Water Infrastructure on the Central Coast

The water supply system on the Central Coast follows the basic steps below from the time it falls as rain within the catchment and when it comes out of your taps at home or work.  These steps include:

  1. Water falls as rain within the catchment area
  2. Water travels in a downhill direction into a stream, creek or river (or into the stormwater system to the ocean)
  3. The river, creek or stream travels in a downhill direction until it
    a. joins with a larger river or creek and enters the ocean or
    b. until the flow is stopped by a dam structure or
    c. until it reaches a weir and is pumped to a dam
  4. The water in the dam is stored and used as required.  The volume of water stored in the dam needs to be large enough to see us through droughts
  5. Water is pumped from the dam into a Water Treatment Plant (WTP) for treatment
  6. Water is then filtered and disinfected to meet Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (the result is tested regularly)
  7. The treated water is then pumped to service reservoirs which are located on hills to allow water to flow by gravity to surrounding areas
  8. The treated water in the service reservoir is then used by local residents at their leisure when they turn on or off taps; flush the toilet, put on the dishwasher, wash clothes or any other activity which requires potable (drinkable) water.

For more information on the Water Infrastructure click on the links below:

Outcomes: 8.4.4- Students learn to discuss methods used of conserve water including the re-use of water after treatment.
Students gather information and analyse one method of waste water management and outline the scientific principles involved that allow the re-use of the water