Representatives from Hunter Water met with Medowie residents, councillors Geoff Dingle and Chris Doohan and Port Stephens MP Kate Washington at the Campvale water pumping station on July 20.

Residents, many of them members of the Medowie Progress Association, shared their long-held concerns about flooding in the Port suburb and the canal's drainage issues.

"We've got wet feet," Medowie resident Sue Hirsch said.

"In some places, water comes up to our thighs."

After talking with Hunter Water's team leader of the water resources sector, David Derkenne, and chief operating officer Darren Cleary, the group toured the station located along Grahamstown Road to learn more about its role and function to Hunter Water.

"Campvale Canal is important to us because it feeds water into Grahamstown Dam," Mr Derkenne said. "It is important that the quality of water coming out of the drain is quality drinking water."

Mr Derkenne said the study would look at water quality and quantity and whether more water should be pumped into Grahamstown Dam, further downstream and how flooding affects the canal.

The study would also look at how the four pumps performed during the April super storm.

It was hoped the business case would be ready by the end of 2016.

Mr Derkenne said Port Stephens Council's flood management plan would be a key input into the study, as would comments from the public, Office of Environment and Heritage, and Department of Health.