Karratha Airport – operational efficiency meets water conservation

Overview 

Karratha Airport is the second busiest airport in Western Australia, providing essential air services to the Pilbara region. The airport handles approximately 500,000 passengers annually with multiple daily flights to and from Perth. The airport’s dedication to water efficiency has dramatically reduced overall water use, all while accommodating more passengers than ever before.

The airport has managed to half water consumption by integrating innovative infrastructure upgrades, community engagement and ecological health initiatives with water-saving measures. Their outstanding results have warranted recognition in the Waterwise Business Program.

Key initiatives 

Infrastructure upgrades:

• The airport undertook a major upgrade of its water distribution network. Stages 1 to 3 of major upgrades to the airports water distribution network have been completed, with stage 4 currently underway, and stages 5 to 7 planned. 
• The infrastructure upgrades have already reduced scheme water use by 50.2%, despite a 9.7% increase in passenger numbers.

Leak detection and repair:

• Leaks are identified through regular inspections, staff and public observations, SMS alerts from the fire system and smart meters monitored via the Niagara Framework®. 
• Identified leaks are typically repaired within one day, this short turnaround time assists to reduce water wastage.

IoT smart meters:

• The airport piloted an Internet of Things (IoT) project using LoRaWAN water meters at seven sites.
• The LoRaWAN water metres provide real-time monitoring, rapid leak detection and accurate water use readings.
• Following success of the pilot program, 33 additional sites are being upgraded, with potential expansion to other facilities within the local government area. 

Water resource recovery plant:

• The airport operates a water resource recovery plant that supplies recycled water for irrigation, toilet flushing and wash-down bays, including airside for aircraft and hire car facilities. 
• Upgrades to the current wastewater treatment facility are planned for 2025, replacing the membrane bioreactor with a sequencing batch reactor for better efficiency and water reuse. 

Waterwise gardens:

• The airport has established gardens featuring waterwise plants which are irrigated with 100% recycled water. These gardens showcase the City of Karratha's commitment to being a water-sensitive city.

How it was done

Karratha Airport enhanced water management through comprehensive metering and monitoring systems, coupled with automated irrigation for gardens. A thorough Climate Change Risk & Adaption Assessment was conducted to address potential climate related challenges. Additionally, stormwater was treated using biofiltration swales and basins before being safely discharged into the wetland, ensuring high water quality and maintaining natural environment flows.

What's next?

By building on the progress made already made enhancing water-saving efficiencies, Karratha Airport plan to continue promoting sustainable water use and protecting ecological health. Looking ahead, the focus will be on expanding waterwise landscaping principles and finding thoughtful ways to incorporate green and blue infrastructure into future development. 

Learn more about the program

Find out more about the program benefits and learn how you can become a waterwise business.

Waterwise Business Program.