The region has four water and eight sewerage systems plus recycled water schemes for residents, businesses, and farms. Coastal systems are connected, while remote ones stand alone. Connections help share resources in dry periods, like Gawler/Ulverstone being topped up from Forth. Ulverstone and Devonport host major industries that use large volumes of water and generate significant trade waste.
The region is expected to grow steadily over 50 years, with up to 21,500 lots potentially developed if zoning permits. Growth will focus on Devonport, Ulverstone, Port Sorell, and Latrobe, though demand shifts could drive expansion in outer towns. Industrial water use in Forth and Ulverstone may change, and tourism in Cradle Valley could increase service needs. We will monitor trends and adjust its Master Plan as required.
From the prehistoric ‘Dinosaurs’ mural on an Ulverstone water storage to the coastal-themed ‘The Coast’ at Coles Beach Pump Station in Devonport, each artwork adds character and charm to the local area. The program's success across Tasmania demonstrates the importance of art in building stronger, more connected communities.
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.
Our drinking water comes from rivers and bores before treatment. Some rivers already have low flows, and licensed allocations don’t always meet demand. Drier conditions could worsen this, making unrestricted supply harder. To avoid restrictions, TasWater promotes conservation and follows its Water Security Strategy to ensure long-term supply.
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 34% of water produced in the Mersey Central Coast 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 and reliability. In the Mersey Central Coast region, we have been renewing ageing water mains in Devonport, Ulverstone, Penguin and other towns in recent years.
The $18 million project completed by TasWater and 14 local contractors has transformed critical parts of the 1983-built plant. A new clarifier, two biosolids (sewage sludge) dewatering units, flow meters, pumps and electrical equipment were installed to make the plant operate more efficiently. These improvements also make the plant safer and easier to access for our staff. The upgrade reinforces our commitment to delivering sustainable infrastructure that benefits communities and the environment.
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.
Image 1 of 2
Image 1 of 2
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 |
