New deep groundwater bores

What's happening?

We’re drilling new deep underground bores to support the expansion of our groundwater network. This is part of our plan to secure Perth’s water supply.

Where is this happening?

The location of these sites has largely been informed by studies undertaken by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation that looked at how best to recharge to and abstract from Perth’s deep underground aquifers. We have also worked closely with local government authorities on where these bores should be located.

We’ve drilled bores at our Neerabup Groundwater Treatment Plant in Tamala Park, Lysander Reserve in Heathridge, Gradient Park and Beldon Park in Beldon, and Sheldrake Reserve in Gwelup.

Why is this work taking place?

We are boosting Perth’s water supply through extracting additional groundwater from the replenished deep aquifers.

When is this happening?

We finished drilling the bores in 2019. In mid-2020 we began constructing the above-ground bore infrastructure, including a small building, pump and electrical cabinet. Once the above-ground infrastructure is complete, commissioning and testing of the bores will follow and we expect them to be operational by the end of 2023.

How will this impact the community?

Residents living near the bore sites may notice construction activity and will be advised prior to work starting.

What’s the difference between the types of bores?

The recharge and monitoring bores are being constructed as part of the Groundwater Replenishment Scheme Expansion. The recharge bores will allow us to recharge highly treated, drinking quality recycled water into Perth’s deep underground aquifers to be stored for future abstraction, treatment and use. The monitoring bores will be used to sample groundwater at these locations.

The abstraction bores are being constructed to compliment the Groundwater Replenishment Scheme Expansion, allowing us to draw additional groundwater from Perth’s deep underground aquifers for treatment and use.

How are the bores constructed?

Construction involves site preparation and geotechnical surveys, drilling of the deep underground bores in stages, followed by construction of the above ground bore infrastructure including a pump and an electrical building.

How deep are the bores?

Bores are being drilled to Perth’s two deepest confined aquifers – the Leederville Aquifer between around 300 metres and 500 metres deep and the Yarragadee Aquifer between around 900 metres and 1400 metres deep.

Will construction of the bores impact my private bore?

No. We are drilling to Perth’s two deepest aquifers whereas private bores interact with the shallowest aquifer known as the Superficial Aquifer. As these aquifers are confined, they do not interact with each other.

Will construction of the bores impact local lakes and waterways?

No. We are drilling to Perth’s two deepest aquifers whereas lakes and waterways interact with the shallowest aquifer known as the Superficial Aquifer. As these aquifers are confined, they do not interact with each other.