Even so, this output is not large enough to operate effectively as an emergency drought measure.

For this reason in 2010, Sydney Water devised a “water buffer” plan called the 70/80% rule.

Rule: 70/80. When the water level of the Warragamba dam drops below 70 per cent; the desalination plant is brought into service until the dam water level, with the aid of natural inflows, reaches 80 per cent of capacity.

Once the desired water level is reached (may take several months or years) the plant is shut down until the water level of the dam drops below  70 per cent again—when the process is repeated.

In June 2012 the NSW government, sold/leased the SDP for a period of 50 years to an Australian bank and overseas company for $2.3 billion.

The Premier, at the time, signed an “upkeep and maintenance contract” guaranteeing the new owners $534,246.00 a day –$194.4 million (every 12 months)—$10 billion for the duration of the lease, to keep the plant in readiness when needed.

On 16 December 2015, a mini-tornado hit the SDP ripping off the roof, destroying electrical equipment, damaging control devices, and the plant itself.   

This week it was reported in the press the current drought has been severe—to the extent— the city’s water storage levels have dropped to 65 per cent.

My thoughts: why didn’t the plant commenced production several months ago when the dam water level dropped to 69.9 per cent?

The reason: the Sydney Desalination Plant is still in a wrecked state—not able to be brought online.

What an outrage. For the past 32 months the owner, SDP Holdco Pty Ltd, trading as Australia Sydney Desalination Plant Pty Limited, has received NSW taxpayer funding to the tune of $518.4 million, for care and maintenance— and no repair works have been carried out.

Where has the money gone?

Looks like it is time for a Royal Commission to get some straight answers

John Macleod, Berry

Many human beings including politicians and business people go to their place of worship be it a church, a mosque or a synagogue to show that they are pious individuals.

The rest of their week they then engage in unethical and cruel practices.

It is no wonder more and more persons are leaving religion behind and declaring that they are atheists or agnostics.

Mr Morrison, instead of attending your church group every Sunday, that time would be better spent assisting the homeless or volunteering with lifeline to help those with suicidal thoughts.

This is the only way that the populace could recognise you as a fair dinkum good bloke.

Please don't try to bulls**t the Australian electorate.

Karlis Matuzelis, Bulli

​​​EDITOR’S NOTE: Reader contributed images of our beautiful region you are used to seeing here now run with the letters to the editor online on our website  at illawarramercury.com.au.