Great Southern water source and desalination

The Manypeaks area was highlighted as a potential groundwater resource area primarily based on findings summarised by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) in the Albany Hinterland Prospective Groundwater Resource Map and Explanatory Notes from 2017. 

Out of all resources highlighted on the map, as part of the 2020 source plan we investigated the potential of:

• The water resource beneath Elleker (King River Paleochannel which extends south towards the Grasmere subarea);
• The water resource beneath the airport (King River Paleochannel); 
• Nanarup paleochannel;
• Manypeaks paleochannel. 

These options were selected based on water quality (lower salinity) and the potential to find a confined water resource for better source protection. The Kalgan paleochannel did not offer good prospect in that sense and therefore was not considered.

The King River resource is situated beneath tree farms and Elleker town site, both of which present source protection risks. It was therefore not considered further. 

We did not pursue the Nanarup option further due to the limited size of the aquifer and low yield estimates.

Following a detailed assessment of all groundwater options, we decided to pursue further investigations at Manypeaks, based on (but not limited to) hydrogeological, water quality and source protection, economic and environmental criteria.

While a new groundwater source currently remains an option, seawater desalination – as a proven, sustainable and reliable water source – will need to form part of the plan for the region’s longer-term water supply.

The majority of climate projections for Albany indicate 30-year average annual rainfall will decline by up to 21% out to 2050 (under worst case of the RCP8.5 climate projections). This will mean less water to replenish underground aquifers – with groundwater currently supplying around 90 per cent of the region’s drinking water – and dams and river sources.

On current projections, annual demand in the region will outstrip supply by 2030, with an additional 1.8 billion litres of drinking water needed by 2050.

Our planning process begins with a high-level desktop assessment using publicly available data and information we have already gathered to identify potential areas for further investigation.

Following this, we conduct initial site visits and gather information from our local operations team and subject matter experts to determine if these options warrant further investigation.

We then complete a 'multi-criteria assessment,' evaluating each option based on the following factors: Social, Technical, Delivery & Operation, Economic, Environmental, Regulatory and Approvals. This assessment is based on the best information available at the time and provides an early indication of which areas may be more suitable for further detailed investigation.

At this stage, we present the options to stakeholders and the wider community for feedback. We also commence environmental, marine, heritage, and/or engineering investigations. We are at this stage currently, having shared South Coast – Sandpatch and Nanarup as new areas of investigation. 

As engagement and investigations progress, findings are fed back into the multi-criteria assessment tool, meaning the ranking of areas can change at any time.

The combined feedback and findings of those investigations is what informs a decision on the preferred option.

Albany accounts for approximately 80% of the demand for water in the lower Great Southern, so it makes most sense to locate a seawater desalination plant close to the town of Albany. 

Seawater desalination plants (like most water sources) need long and large water pipelines to carry the water to where it is needed. We look to find efficient routes for pipelines and install them in areas already clear of vegetation, where possible. However, long and large pipelines usually involve some vegetation clearing and can also impact private landowners. That’s why it’s usually better to have seawater desalination plants closer to where the water is needed - to help reduce environmental and social impacts.

In Albany, around 2,000 million litres of treated wastewater is used to irrigate an Albany tree farm each year. Over a million trees on the farm captures some 70,000 tonnes of carbon from the environment!

A groundwater replenishment wastewater recycling scheme was investigated in detail in 2021/2022 as part of Water Corporation’s water source planning. 

This option would see Water Corporation pump treated wastewater underground for later use. This option was ruled out in 2023 due to:

• An insufficient volume of wastewater available to meet future water demand. Another source would be required to meet the supply gap. 
• Water Corporation would not be able to draw as much water as was put into the aquifer. This means the amount of water able to be supplied from this source would be relatively low, for a high cost to the community.
• Lengthy and complex approval requirements, relating to human health and environmental impacts.

Groundwater

Parts of the Great Southern region recently received their lowest rainfall on record for the past two years.

Thirty-year average annual rainfall for Albany (measured at Albany Airport weather station) will decline by up to 21% out to 2050, under most climate predictions.

Reduced rainfall is impacting groundwater supplies. This is why we are investigating seawater desalination as part of the long-term plan for the lower Great Southern.

Read more about reduced rainfall in our Why do we need a new source - Information Sheet. 

Rainwater

We encourage residents to install rainwater tanks in regions with reliable annual rainfall patterns such as the South West and Great Southern regions. Though the efficiencies gained from collecting rainwater are valuable, they don’t close the gap between supply and demand, particularly in a changing climate where rainfall is increasingly less reliable.  

We run a number of Waterwise offers such as showerhead swaps and rebates for rainwater tanks to help customers achieve these efficiencies, and to reduce the cost difference. The rebates on rainwater tanks are only available in the Great Southern and South West regions due to the more reliable annual rainfall patterns. Visit our waterwise offers webpage for further information about offers relevant to your area each year. 

Greywater

Local Government is responsible for the operation approvals and installation of greywater systems in Western Australia. The West Australian Greywater Guide provides further information on how to best reuse domestic greywater in Western Australia.

This is a 3D model example of a similar size plant.  
 
The Albany plant needs a 2-hectare site, ideally located inland from the dunes and across from the marine pipelines for seawater intake and brine outflow. 
 
A desalination plant typically consists of:

• Intake pumps and strainers for initial seawater collection
• Buildings with pre-treatment systems to remove impurities before desalination
• Reverse osmosis membranes for the core desalination process
• Potabilisation equipment to make the water suitable for consumption
• Dosing facilities for membrane cleaning and process control
• Various tanks and pumps to support water storage and distribution

In addition to the marine pipelines, an integration pipeline will be required to transfer the drinking water from the plant to the Lower Great Southern Towns Water Supply Scheme.

Water Corporation is committed to cutting carbon emissions and aims to reach net zero by 2035. We're already making strong progress, with advanced plans to secure new renewable energy sources like wind power to help achieve this goal. 

Behind the meter renewables are incorporated in all new and upgraded energy consuming infrastructure, unless they can be proven to be technically, practicably or financially unfeasible.

We recently hosted two community meetings at Lower Kalgan Hall to connect with locals and answer questions about the project and the two areas under investigation; Sandpatch and Nanarup. During these sessions, we shared information on the planning and site selection process, how seawater desalination works, and the ways we incorporate environmental considerations into our planning.

These conversations are invaluable - they help us understand what matters most to the community and provide clarity on areas of interest.

If you’d like to see the topics of discussion, check out the record of questions asked at the meeting below. We’ll be back at Lower Kalgan Hall on Wednesday, 10 December for another session, and we hope to see you there.

• Lower Great Southern source planning - Lower Kalgan Hall meeting record October 2025
• Lower Great Southern source planning - Lower Kalgan Hall meeting record November 2025

Since announcing two new areas for investigation: Nanarup and South Coast - Sandpatch, we have completed the following activities:

• Shore Crossing & Marine Works Concept Study
• South Coast Intake Bores Study
• Zero Liquid Discharge Study

Over the past few weeks, the project team has been out and about across Albany meeting with community members and answering questions about the Lower Great Southern's next water source.

On Tuesday, 30 September, we were pleased to be part of the Museum of the Great Southern's school holiday program, where we had some great conversations with locals and visitors alike. Then, on Monday, 6 October, we set up at Albany's Historic Whaling Station, speaking with attendees and sharing insights into the project’s goals and progress.

Next, we’re excited to be attending the inaugural Albany Harbours Sustainability Symposium at Great Southern Grammar School on Friday, 31 October. This event will bring together a range of local organisations to share insights into key sustainable development projects taking place across the Great Southern region.

We look forward to seeing you there - come say hello!

Thanks to everyone who came to see us at the Albany Farmers Market on Saturday, 9 August.

We had some great conversations about future water source planning and chatted with around 40 people. Keep an eye on our webpage for more opportunities to connect!

As part of our water supply planning, we are now investigating new areas for a potential future seawater desalination plant near Albany. 

The areas are:

• Nanarup 
• South Coast - Sandpatch

A new water source is expected to be required for the Lower Great Southern drinking water supply by 2030.

Please see a map showing the new areas of investigation below. 

What did you do to arrive at these options?  

We completed an initial desktop assessment, which found these two areas to be the most promising for further investigation. 

This assessment considers what we currently know about environmental, social, technical, economic, operations and construction related factors as well as regulatory and approval requirements.  
It is not a comprehensive assessment and is only an initial step in determining the most suitable area for further detailed investigations. 

Community and stakeholder engagement will be a key part of the next steps.

We also acknowledge that there may not be a perfect solution. Finding a location to satisfy community, environmental, constructability and operating constraints will be challenging.

Why are these areas looking favourable?

Distance from Albany

The two areas are located close to Albany. Early investigations indicate we should be able to connect into the current water supply network at both locations. The Nanarup area is near the large water main pipeline from the existing Two People’s Bay Water Treatment Plant. The South Coast – Sandpatch area is near the South Coast Water Treatment Plant.

Seawater desalination plants (like most water sources) need long and large water pipelines to carry the water to where it is needed. 

We look to find efficient routes for pipelines and install them in areas already clear of vegetation, where possible. However, long and large pipelines usually involve some vegetation clearing and can also impact private landowners. 

That’s why it’s usually better to have seawater desalination plants closer to where the water is needed - to help reduce environmental and social impacts.

Environmental considerations

New water infrastructure must ensure the unique and important environmental value of the South Coast region is protected. Wherever possible, we avoid installing new water infrastructure in sensitive areas, such as National Parks and Nature Reserves. Large areas of Albany’s coastline are protected by National Parks and Nature Reserves, and with King George Sound ruled out for seawater desalination infrastructure, limited areas are available. 

What other areas have you considered? 

We’ve been looking at potential seawater desalination infrastructure sites since an initial study was completed in 2009. We’ve reviewed a large area, spanning from Walpole to 50km east of Albany. In late 2022 we began community and stakeholder engagement, and some investigation activities at three potential seawater desalination infrastructure sites: Princess Royal Harbour, South Coast – Torndirrup and Frenchman Bay. Through this process we also explored Vancouver Peninsula and Salmon Holes.

Princess Royal Harbour was ruled out in late 2024 due to water quality concerns identified through monitoring, and the presence of significant Aboriginal cultural values highlighted during engagement with Traditional Owners. We also ruled out progressing Vancouver Peninsula and Salmon Holes due to significant Aboriginal cultural heritage values.  

Investigations at the South Coast – Torndirrup site were discontinued due to safety and logistical challenges. Sea conditions and shifting ocean sediments made continued environmental monitoring unsafe. High cliffs would pose issues for the installation, commissioning, operation and maintenance of marine infrastructure.   

Hydrodynamic modelling of the marine environment in Frenchman Bay had commenced, however desalination options in King George Sound were ruled out in January 2025 due to community concern and this work was discontinued. 

We’ve re-assessed our options and identified two alternative areas for investigation.

What happens next?

We're still in the early stages of investigating these areas. We want your feedback to help shape our next steps. That’s why, over the coming months, we’ll be inviting you to share your thoughts on the two areas. We want to understand what matters most to you as we plan new water infrastructure.

Visit us in-person this Saturday 5 July at All at Sea, at the Albany Boatshed.  
Our team will be there to listen and answer any questions you have. 

Or reach out to the team at Community.Engagement@watercorporation.com.au to share feedback or ask a question. 

Thank you to those who visited us on Saturday, 5 July at All at Sea Saturday to discuss future water source planning with our team.

We had nearly 90 conversations across the day. Stay tuned to our webpage for upcoming opportunities to connect and share your thoughts!

Following recent announcements, we are no longer progressing investigations into a potential desalination plant at King George Sound in Albany. 

We are still in the planning phase of the project and will continue investigating seawater desalination and groundwater options. We will provide further updates in coming weeks.

Project update - 27 April 2024

Conversations at the Albany Port Open Day

The project team attended the Albany Port Open Day on the 27th of April 2024 to share the latest on our new water source investigations with the local community.

It was great to take part in such a well-run event. Seeing the scale of the operations and learning about the inner workings of the port was fascinating! 

We spoke to over 100 local community members on the day and had really valuable conversations, not only about our investigations, but also about our existing water source and the challenges we're facing with the effects of climate change and forecast increases in demand.

Thanks to everyone who came down and we look forward to seeing you again when we are next in Albany. 

Project update - 15 February 2024

Site tour with Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar Aboriginal Corporation Cultural Advisory Committee

In mid-February 2024, the project team took six members of the Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar Aboriginal Corporation Cultural Advisory Committee on a half-day tour of the proposed desalination sites.

The purpose of the tour was for the project team to understand the cultural values of the proposed desalination sites and incorporate any feedback from Wagyl Kaip SNAC CAC into our decision making.

We will now progress with further surveys to support our ongoing investigations. 

Project update - 23 June 2023

Marine investigations begin

Water Corporation’s authorised consultants, Advisian, and a commercial boat operator will begin investigations in Frenchman Bay, Princess Royal Harbour and off the South Coast in late June 2023. 

The work will take three days. Exact work dates will depend on weather conditions and availability of contractors and their vessels. Further sampling and data collection will take place on a quarterly basis for up to 24 months. 

Project update - 27 May 2023

Community drop-in sessions

The project team hosted two drop-in sessions in Albany on Friday, 26 May and Saturday, 27 May 2023. 

We had many interesting conversations and received useful feedback that will help inform our investigation pathway. 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 via the link on the webpage to hear the latest project news.

Project update - 29 July 2022

Aboriginal Heritage surveys complete

We’re pleased to advise fieldwork for our Aboriginal Heritage survey in the Manypeaks, Two Peoples Bay, Big Grove, Little Grove and Goode Beach areas has now been completed. This work is part of an investigation into groundwater and seawater desalination as future water source options in the areas.

Thank you to those landowners for facilitating access to private properties.

Project update - 16 December 2021

Environmental surveys complete

We’re pleased to advise fieldwork for our environmental survey in the Manypeaks, Two Peoples Bay, Torndirrup, Big Grove, Little Grove and Goode Beach areas has now been completed. This work is part of an investigation into groundwater and seawater desalination as future water source options in the areas.

Thank you to those landowners for facilitating access to private properties. The survey area was large – extending much further than the actual area required for any infrastructure – to ensure we could capture accurate environmental data and to put any results into context. The consultants will now take the next few months to sort and analyse all the data collected, and prepare findings.

Next, we are preparing to undertake Aboriginal heritage surveys in the same areas with Traditional Owners, in the new year. We will write to affected landowners regarding this.

Happy holidays!