Future water source planning in Great Southern Region
Project goal:
Investigate what water sources are needed to maintain a reliable drinking water supply to the Lower Great Southern area into the future.
Status:
In planning
Delivery Date:
2029/2030
What's happening?
In response to climate change impacts and forecast increases in demand on our drinking water supplies, we are currently investigating what water sources may be needed to maintain a reliable drinking water supply via the Lower Great Southern Towns Water Supply Scheme (LGSTWSS).
These include:
- new groundwater sources in the vicinity of Albany;
- local seawater desalination.
So far we have completed environmental and Aboriginal Heritage surveys that incorporated the Manypeaks, Angove, Torndirrup, Little Grove, Big Grove and Goode Beach areas.
Community information sessions
The project team hosted two drop-in sessions in Albany on Friday, 26 May and Saturday, 27 May 2023. Thank you to those who joined us to learn more about our new water source investigations.
We are now progressing with further planning for the investigations, and will keep the community updated as we progress. Sign up for updates to hear the latest project news.
Where does Albany currently get its water?
The LGSTWSS supplies drinking water to Albany, Mount Barker, Kendenup and Narrikup and Denmark (as required) from local groundwater sources on the South Coast and surface water from Angove River east of Albany.
When will you decide what the future water source/s will be?
We are still in the very early stages of planning and will work closely with DWER and DPIRD before making any decisions on the next source for the LGSTWSS. A decision is planned for 2025 following a detailed analysis of data and results.
We are committed to keeping the local community updated as we investigate the viability of sources and promote opportunities for community feedback.
Project timeline
- Environmental surveys
- October - November 2021
- Aboriginal heritage surveys
- July 2022
- Community information sessions
- 26 and 27 May 2023
- Marine investigations
- June 2023 - 2025
We continue to respond proactively to the ongoing challenges of climate change by investigating potential new water sources for the LGSTWSS.
These include:
- new groundwater sources;
- local seawater desalination.
As part of an investigation into a groundwater source option, we are investigating the Manypeaks and Angove areas. These appear to be the most suitable areas from a hydrogeological point of view and are close to existing water infrastructure.
Several locations in Princess Royal Harbour and Frenchman Bay, including the Vancouver Peninsula, are being investigated for seawater intake to supply a possible seawater desalination plant. Options for discharge of brine that are being investigated are in Frenchman Bay and on the south coast. The Big Grove, Little Grove and Goode Beach areas are being investigated as possible pipeline routes and wherever possible we would use road reserves or Crown land to minimise impacts on private landowners and the environment. The seawater desalination plant would be co-located with the existing South Coast Water Treatment Plant in Torndirrup
Before we determine the location of a preferred water source, we consider the following factors at a minimum:
water quality
- drying climate patterns and rainfall / streamflow data
- environmental considerations, including impact of drawing water on local ecosystems and construction impacts on existing flora and fauna habitats
- heritage and Native Title rights
- community feedback
- impact on private landowners
- water treatment requirements
- amount of water we expect to draw from the source and;
- cost of supplying water to our customers including building the required infrastructure.
We are still in the early stages with a decision on preferred option/s expected in 2025, following a detailed review of data and results.
We will engage with DWER, other government agencies, stakeholders and the community before making decisions on future sources for the LGSTWSS.
Water Corporation is working with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) as we investigate long-term supply options. DWER is developing the Albany and hinterlands water allocation plan for public comment. It covers how groundwater and surface water will be managed and regulated in this area. The plan sets limits about how much water can be used and how much is left in the aquifer for the environment.
Water Corporation also continues to liaise with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) about a potential seawater desalination plant. DPIRD is working with the Minister for Fisheries to confirm the Albany Aquaculture Development Zone. The final stages include licences and tenure within the Princess Royal Harbour and King George Sound areas.
Airborne Electromagnetic (AEM) surveys
This will help us make informed decisions on future source planning, ensuring we continue to sustainably use the groundwater resources within a changing climate.
The data received is processed and converted into an electrical conductivity and depth profile.The results help us determine the presence of confining layers and map things like saline water interface or aquifer depth to understand the extent of the fresh groundwater resource that is suitable for water supply.
No harm is caused to plants, animals or humans from the electromagnetic loop. The EM fields emitted by the loop are similar to those produced by power lines which we pass by daily. As the helicopter or aeroplane flies quickly in the air, exposure to anyone on the ground is extremely limited.
Contact us
Carina Harris - Community Engagement Senior Advisor