The Meander-Tamar region includes Greater Launceston and nearby towns, with multiple water and sewerage systems, some of which are outdated. We're upgrading infrastructure, such as consolidating treatment plants at Ti Tree Bend, to reduce environmental impact and support ongoing growth in the area.
The Meander-Tamar region is set for steady growth over the next 50 years, with up to 43,000 lots potentially available. Growth is expected mainly in Greater Launceston and nearby suburbs, though high-density development or rapid expansion in smaller towns could shift forecasts. TasWater will monitor data and adapt plans as needed.
Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection treatment equipment will be installed at the Distillery Creek, Chimney Saddle, Mt Leslie, and Reatta Road treatment plants by 2026 to add an extra layer of treatment. UV disinfection does not affect the taste, colour or odour of the water but further reduces the risk of harmful microbes entering the water supply. This initiative is part of a broader program to implement advanced water safety practices at all drinking water facilities in Tasmania.
Climate change in Tasmania is likely to bring warmer temperatures, rising sea levels, and more extreme weather, impacting water supply, quality, and demand. These changes threaten water treatment and sewerage infrastructure, potentially requiring new solutions and adaptations.
Drinking water in the Meander-Tamar region - including Greater Launceston, Longford, Waverley, St Leonards, Blackstone Heights, Hadspen, Exeter, Legana, Perth, and George Town - faces challenges from low river flows and climate change. TasWater’s strategy focuses on conservation and adapting to demand.
With expected population growth and ageing infrastructure, the region must upgrade or replace water assets to maintain service quality. Improvements will be prioritised by development timing, community benefit, and compliance needs.
About 24% of water produced in the Meander-Tamar region is lost due to leaks, theft, metering errors, or operational use. Efforts are underway to cut these losses and reduce stormwater infiltration into sewerage systems, aiming to delay costly upgrades and extend infrastructure lifespan.
TasWater must meet environmental and health standards, but ageing and underfunded infrastructure sometimes falls short. Progress is being made, especially with water quality, by installing UV treatment in Meander-Tamar plants to boost community wellbeing.
We are focused on reducing sewage flows and creating extra capacity to support future growth. The Kanamaluka/Tamar estuary is a special landscape that connects our community. We appreciate its importance to Greater Launceston and the Meander-Tamar region, which is why we are investing today to ensure its health for future generations.
As part of the Tamar Estuary River Health Action Plan (TERHAP), we will be delivering new sewerage infrastructure to improve the health of kanamaluka/Tamar estuary.
The kanamaluka/Tamar estuary is a special landscape that connects our community, which is why we are making investments today to ensure its health for future generations.
After looking at a range of options to guide our long-term investment in water and sewerage infrastructure, our preferred approach balances climate resilience, water security, customer expectations, environmental and health compliance, and cost. Download the PDF for more details.
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Our nine masterplans outline the challenges, upgrades, and investments needed to strengthen Tasmania’s water infrastructure for the next 50 years
Since creation, the palawa have lived here in lutruwita - Tasmania. Over 2,000 generations of Aboriginal families have cared for this Country, looking after its lands, seas, skies and waterways.
In the spirit of respect and gratitude, TasWater acknowledges the Tasmanian Aboriginal community as the traditional and ongoing custodians. We pay our respects to them, their culture and to elders past and present. We also acknowledge any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are here with us today.
TasWater commits to working collaboratively and respectfully with the Tasmanian Aboriginal community to protect and sustain the precious resources on this ancient land for future generations.
Have questions or want to learn more about a project, contact us below:
| Phone | 13 6992 |
|---|---|
| Website | www.taswater.com.au |
| In writing | GPO Box 1393, Hobart TAS 7001 |
