After a marathon closed-door debate by councillors on Thursday night, council has determined an expected value which it wants to resolve privately with Cadia Valley Operations.

The Central Western Daily understands the sale price will be revealed to the public when agreement is reached with the company.

But while the price tag remains uncertain, one thing is clear: all of the monies eventually raised from the rescue package will be invested in the city's water network, particularly for the new plan to harvest stormwater.

Councillor John Miller won support this week for the sale proceeds to go into the city's water fund, with the intention of earmarking the money specifically for stormwater work.

Stormwater is rainwater which is currently lost down roads, drains and as unwanted flood flow in some watercourses.

Earlier this month, council passed a new $25 stormwater levy on all ratepayers to contribute to the cost of bringing in a stormwater scheme.

The Cadia contribution, once finalised, would give the project a great financial boost according to Cr Miller on Thursday morning.

"There is no stormwater harvesting scheme at the moment in Orange and there should be," he said.

"The project we are looking at will see stormwater saved into storage and it will also reduce flooding which occurs in some urban areas of Orange right now.

"Instead of this water, which is pure rainwater, just going down the drain, it could go into our drinking water supply."

Blackmans Swamp Creek and similar small tributaries will be the first target of the scheme, according to Cr Miller.