Warren Blackwood Groundwater Treatment Plant

What is happening?

We are planning to construct a new groundwater treatment plant in Nannup to improve water quality.

This work will include:

• Upgrades to pump stations, new and tanks and pipework at the Thomas Road Nannup bore site, Lindsay Road, Brockman Road and Manjimup Dam bypass pipeline site.
• A new dosing plant will also be constructed on Appadene Road in Manjimup, replacing the current facility at Majimup dam.
• 800 metres of pipeline to bypass Manjimup Dam.

Why is this happening?

Groundwater from the Nannup bore supplies over 75% of water to the Warren Blackwood Regional Water Supply Scheme. Currently, the groundwater from the Nannup bore is transferred to the Millstream and Manjimup Dams.

This water contains naturally occurring elements such as iron and manganese, which settle prior to being used by the scheme. Since 2010, Millstream Dam and Manjimup Dam have been increasingly losing water due to evaporation and lower levels of rainfall.

The new treatment plant will remove the iron and manganese from the water, allowing the dams to be bypassed and the water to be pumped directly into the scheme. This work will support the improve water quality and support the Warren Blackwood regional water supply scheme. 

When is this happening?

Construction was initially anticipated to begin in late 2024. However, due to ongoing planning and design considerations, it is now expected to commence in 2027. Updates will be provided as the project progresses.

How will this impact me?

We’ve measured the current noise levels at the water storage site on Thomas Road in Nannup. This helped us plan the design of the new water treatment plant.

The new plant will be built inside special buildings that help reduce noise. Once it’s running, the noise from the new plant is expected to be about the same as it is now.

To help the new water treatment plant blend in with the area, we’re working with a local company to plant native trees and shrubs. These plants will help block the view of the plant for people living north of the Blackwood River.

The planting will take place closer to the construction of the new water treatment plant. It may take a couple of years for the plants to grow big enough to provide full screening.

Map work in Nannup

Map work in Manjimup

More information

For more information on how we are planning for the Warren Blackwood regional water supply scheme please visit http://www.watercorporation.com.au/warrenblackwood