Water Corporation expects to finish the recharge pipeline and bores in late 2019.
Camera IconWater Corporation expects to finish the recharge pipeline and bores in late 2019. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Work progressing on Water Corporation groundwater recharge pipeline in Wanneroo

Lucy JarvisWanneroo Times

WATER Corporation says its $21 million project to build a 13km recharge pipeline and monitoring bores in Wanneroo and Neerabup is progressing well.

The update on the Groundwater Replenishment Scheme expansion follows concerns raised by a Wanneroo resident that the project had stalled near Lake Joondalup.

“The project has not stalled and the overall expansion project is on track for completion in late 2019,” Water Corporation acting assets delivery general manager Nathan Hardwick said.

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Staged work on the underground recharge pipeline from the Beenyup wastewater treatment plant in Craigie to the bores is due to finish next July while the bore construction is due to finish in April.

Mr Hardwick said work would resume at the southern section of Studmaster Park, up to Ariti Avenue, in early 2019, after the rainbow bee eater nesting season finished.

He said the pipeline route was chosen to minimise potential environmental impacts, with the first stages of work using trenchless technology in environmentally sensitive areas, such as the Banksia woodland in Wanneroo.

“The second stage of work using trenchless technology began in September to install a 1.4km section of pipe underneath Beenyup Swamp, Perry’s Paddock and Studmaster Park,” he said.

“Work is on track to be completed in November.

“The next two stages of work will then take place in Woodvale and Neerabup, with work to begin in late October using traditional open trench methods.

“Construction of the deep underground bores and associated above-ground infrastructure began in December 2017 and is due for completion by April.

“Drilling of the bores, with some up to 1400m below ground, is extremely complex with some minor changes to the construction schedule as a result of this complexity.”

Work at the southern end of Studmaster Park will resume after the rainbow bee eater nesting season.
Camera IconWork at the southern end of Studmaster Park will resume after the rainbow bee eater nesting season. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Mr Hardwick said groundwater replenishment was part of the long-term ‘Water Forever’ plan to secure water supplies in response to climate change.

“The 13km recharge pipeline is being built to transfer highly treated, drinking quality water from the advanced water recycling plant in Craigie to the recharge bore sites,” he said.

“Groundwater replenishment is the process by which secondary treated wastewater undergoes advanced treatment to produce drinking water.

“The water is recharged to an aquifer for later use as a drinking water source.

“The first 14 billion litre stage of the Groundwater Replenishment Scheme began recharging to aquifers last year. “The expansion currently underway will double the scheme’s capacity to be able to recharge up to 28 billion litres of water per year – enough water to supply around 100,000 Perth homes.”

Mr Hardwick said the utility worked with other government departments while selecting the pipeline route to avoid wetland habitats, use cleared areas, minimise clearing of native vegetation and avoid black cockatoo habitats.

“Water Corporation is also making environmental contributions to the Yellagonga Regional Park, including funding for rehabilitation and weed management,” he said.

For more information, visit www.watercorporation.com.au/GWRS .