The work to replace 670 metres of Hunter Water mains running down the centre of Dowling Street between Mary and Mackay Streets is underway.
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The project is being co-funded by Hunter Water and Dungog Shire Council.
The works are an essential part of the $2.2 million Dowling Street upgrade and must be done before the council starts its improvements to the main street.
While the council dropped plans for a median strip after overwhelming public opposition, the finer details of the upgrade are still to be finalised.
The council was to meet last night with residents who had made a submission to the council on the planned upgrade.
The council's Executive Manager for Infrastructure and Assets, Steve Hitchens, said the council wanted to get a clear idea for the community's expectations for the whole of Dowling Street, not just the three blocks earmarked for improvements.
"Nothing is off the table," he said.
"We have engaged a consultant from Newcastle to provide advice and we are asking for community input on everything from street lighting to tree planting," he said.
A water supply for Dungog
The Dungog Chronicle reported in September 1907 that the Mayor of Dungog, Ald McNamee intended to move in council that steps be taken to ask the Minister for Public Works to carry out a water supply scheme for Dungog.
"Due to the recent spell of dry weather, for over two months now the townspeople have been purchasing water from the river," Ald McNamee said.
"The Chichester River which flows into the Williams at Bandon Grove is a stream of pure mountain water and it could be tapped up near Boorers and a portion of its sparkling waters could be diverted into a reservoir near Dungog from which it could be reticulated throughout the town.
"Of course the adoption of a suitable scheme will largely depend on its estimated cost. Dungog is not a very populous place, but it is constantly growing, and with the advent of the railway here the probabilities are that it will show a great expansion."
On April 20, 1909, the Mayor went to Sydney to interview Mr De Burgh of the Works Department and obtained some very valuable information. If the water supply is established, the next important scheme would be a sewerage scheme.
