An innovative stormwater harvesting project in Orange is moving into its next phase, marking a significant step in strengthening water security for one of New South Wales’ most drought-exposed regional centres.
The East Orange Harvesting Wetlands project will expand the city’s existing alternative water supply scheme, increasing the amount of treated stormwater that can be captured and reused during dry periods. The project is jointly funded by the NSW Government and Orange City Council, with each contributing $5 million.
The second stage had been on hold pending a Land and Environment Court decision, which has now been resolved, allowing planning and delivery to proceed.
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From pioneering project to expanded capacity
Stage One of the scheme, delivered at Blackmans Swamp Creek, was Australia’s first large-scale indirect-to-potable stormwater harvesting project. It currently supplies around 900 megalitres of secure yield each year, accounting for approximately 20 per cent of Orange’s water supply.
The next stage will build on that foundation, adding a further 600 megalitres of secure yield annually. The expanded capacity is designed to reduce reliance on traditional surface water sources and provide greater flexibility during prolonged dry conditions.
Orange City Council Mayor Tony Mileto said lessons from the last drought have shaped the city’s approach. “In the last drought we experienced Level 5 water restrictions, so residents know how critical it is that we diversify our options for accessing water,” Mileto said.
How the new wetlands will work
The new infrastructure will be constructed upstream of the existing harvesting facility at Blackmans Swamp Creek. It will include a 13 megalitre wetland pond designed to capture and temporarily store stormwater during high-flow events.
High-tech inlet and outlet controls, along with a small regulating weir, will allow water levels to be managed more precisely. By slowing flows and elevating water levels, the system will enable water to be extracted over a longer period rather than only during peak runoff.
Mileto said Orange’s location makes this approach essential. “While Orange does receive good rainfall, it sits at the top of the catchment meaning a lot of the water runs off onto lower grounds before it can be collected,” he said. “Having a way to regulate and retain flows is an absolute game-changer.”
Climate resilience for a drought-prone city
Orange’s vulnerability to drought has made alternative water sources a central part of its long-term water strategy. NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Director of Grant Programs Kirsty Fenton said stormwater harvesting plays a growing role in building resilience.
“Orange is extremely vulnerable to drought, which is why we’re throwing our support behind innovative water supply options to strengthen the town’s defence against climate extremes,” Fenton said. “We can’t make it rain so we need to explore new ways to secure more reliable water.”
Fenton said stormwater harvesting allows Orange to capture almost a quarter of its annual rainfall that would otherwise flow out of the system.
Construction timeline and broader implications
Construction of the second stage is expected to commence by late 2026, with completion scheduled for 2027. Once operational, the expanded wetlands will further integrate stormwater into Orange’s overall supply mix, alongside traditional surface water sources.
For the wider water sector, the project demonstrates how regional cities can move beyond emergency drought response towards long-term system diversification. As climate variability intensifies, stormwater harvesting is increasingly being viewed as a scalable, climate-resilient option for urban water security.