With a changing climate, we can no longer rely on rainfall and dams as our main water sources.  Groundwater, too, is declining as the lack of rain sees less water recharged to our deep aquifers.

Water Corporation responded to this by developing a range of new water source options to meet demand for the next 50 years.  The emphasis is on climate independence, promoting recycling and reducing water use.

Supply-demand gap
By 2030 it is estimated that an additional 120 gigalitres will be required.  By 2060 this could be as much as 365 gigalitres.  At the same time, wastewater will continue to grow about 2-3 per cent each year.

Planning estimates indicate groundwater replenishment has the potential to provide around 35 gigalitres of water into the public supply system by 2030.

By 2060, it is possible groundwater replenishment could provide up to 115 gigalitres each year by recycling water from Perth’s major wastewater treatment plants.  That’s approximately 20% of Perth’s water needs.

Gap between water supply and demand to 2060 (Gigalitres per year)

Sustainability benefits
As a community, we draw enormous quantities of water from underground aquifers to meet our drinking, industrial and irrigation needs, so topping up our supplies with recycled water that is as safe as drinking water could bring significant benefits to future generations.

Some of the benefits of groundwater replenishment include:

• it makes us less dependent on rainfall as a drinking water source in a drying climate;
• water is stored underground for use later in periods of high demand;
• it can help to maintain groundwater levels in low rainfall periods;
• it allows us to recycle large quantities of water;
• it makes use of existing water supply infrastructure;
• it is relatively cost effective; and
• it uses less energy than seawater desalination.