Wanneroo groundwater bores

What’s happening?

Water Corporation are planning to construct two new abstraction bores and a 4.5km water pipeline to transfer groundwater from the new bores to the Wanneroo Groundwater Treatment Plant in Jandabup.

Why is this happening?

This work forms part of our long-term plan to provide safe and secure water for the future. Water Corporation has been working with the Department of Water and Environment Regulation on sustainable, future approaches to groundwater abstraction for potable water supply.

Increasing the number of abstraction bores from deeper aquifers in approved locations will help us increase the capacity and flexibility of our operations, allowing us to support the sustainable use of the Gnangara groundwater system.

Where is this happening?

The new bore site will be constructed near the corner of Mary Street and Lenore Road in Wanneroo.

The 4.5km pipeline route is currently in the early planning stages. Further details will be provided on this page as planning progresses.

When is this happening?

Subject to obtaining approvals, construction of the two new bores will be beginning over the summer period of 2025/2026.

Construction of the pipeline will be after the bores are finished in approximately 2028. The construction of the pipeline will finish in approximately 2030. 

What will be the impacts during construction?

Residents living near the bore site may notice construction activity. As with any construction site, there will be an increase in noise, dust and activity in the area and traffic management along Mary Street

We appreciate that this essential work may cause temporary inconvenience and disruption. We will be mindful of residents and try to keep all disruptions to a minimum.

What is a groundwater abstraction bore?

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, thereby reducing our reliance on more environmentally sensitive bores further to the north.

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 into Perth’s two deepest aquifers whereas private bores interact with the shallowest aquifer known as the Superficial Aquifer. As the deeper aquifers are confined, they do not interact with the Superficial Aquifer.

Will construction of the bores impact local lakes and waterways?

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