Stock image.
Camera IconStock image. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Water treatment plant upgrade to replenish Perth’s water supply

Staff WriterWanneroo Times

THE expansion of Perth’s Groundwater Replenishment Scheme reached a milestone this week, with work starting to upgrade the Neerabup Groundwater Treatment Plant.

Water Minister Dave Kelly announced the $52 million upgrade on October 21 as part of the expansion of the scheme, due to finish in late 2020, to double its recharge capacity from 14 billion litres to 28 billion litres.

Groundwater replenishment is the process where treated wastewater undergoes advanced treatment to produce drinking water, which is then recharged to an aquifer for later use as a drinking water source.

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When abstracted, the water is treated again to meet Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

The Neerabup plant upgrade will increase its capacity from 100 million litres of water treated per day to 150 million litres of water treated per day.

Neerabup Groundwater Treatment Plant, located west of Mitchell Freeway. Water Corporation
Camera IconNeerabup Groundwater Treatment Plant, located west of Mitchell Freeway. Water Corporation Credit: Supplied/Water Corporation

“Water supply planning is never static, we are constantly responding and adapting to changing circumstances, including climate change, by adding new water sources when needed,” Mr Kelly said.

“The south-west of WA is one of the areas on the planet that is most affected by climate change through declining rainfall.

“Through the innovative use of groundwater replenishment and this upgraded treatment plant, water is able to be replenished and abstracted on a one-to-one basis.

“The upgrade of the Neerabup Groundwater Treatment Plant is the final step in the expansion of this important climate independent water source.”

Welcoming the upgrade, Burns Beach MLA Mark Folkard said the State Government focus was on “creating jobs and supporting activity that benefits the WA economy”.

“This project will secure WA water supplies from climate change impacts,” he said.

The upgrade is expected to take about 12 months to complete and provide up to 120 jobs for local workers during peak construction at the site, located east of Tamala Park and west of Mitchell Freeway.

Mr Kelly said the overall project to expand the Groundwater Replenishment Scheme supported 540 local jobs.

Visit www.watercorporation.com.au for more information.

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