Performance of regional water purification plants during extreme weather events: three case studies from New South Wales, Australia

Climate change is altering weather patterns, which afects water supply systems globally. More frequent extreme weather
events like foods, droughts, and heatwaves are impacting the availability of raw water sources that supply cities. These
events can lead to less water, higher demand, and potential infrastructure damage. Water agencies and utilities must develop
resilient and adaptable systems to withstand shocks and stresses. Case studies demonstrating the impact of extreme weather
on water quality are important for developing resilient water supply systems. This paper documents the challenges faced by
regional New South Wales (NSW) in managing water quality and supply during extreme weather events. Efective treatment
processes, such as ozone treatment and adsorption, are used to maintain drinking water standards during extreme weather.
Water-efcient alternatives are provided, and critical water networks are inspected to identify leaks and reduce system
demand. Local government areas must collaborate and share resources to ensure that towns can cope with future extreme
weather events. Systematic investigation is needed to understand system capacity and identify surplus resources to be shared
when demand cannot be met. Pooling resources could beneft regional towns experiencing both foods and droughts. With
expected population growth in the area, regional NSW councils will require a signifcant increase in water fltration infrastructure to handle increased system loading. Continuous research, regular strategy reviews, and innovative approaches are
essential to ensure a secure and reliable water supply during future extreme weather events.