Desalination the preferred choice to support Exmouth's water future
Seawater desalination has been selected as the preferred next major drinking water source for Exmouth, supporting long-term economic and community growth and alleviating demand for groundwater in one of Australia’s most iconic tourist towns.
The announcement follows detailed investigations and extensive consultation, with desalination emerging as the most sustainable and reliable solution to meet future demand.
Additional groundwater sources south of Exmouth were ruled out due to insufficient volume to meet long-term demand, rainfall dependence, and concerns over potential environmental and cultural impacts in Conservation Parks and the Warnangura (Cape Range) National Park.
Water Corporation General Manager, Asset Planning and Delivery, Evan Hambleton, said planning for a new source was essential to support development and to mitigate the growing impact of climate change.
“With Exmouth’s population and economy continuing to grow, we’re forecasting the town will need an extra 1.5 billion litres of drinking water each year by 2060,” Mr Hambleton said.
“At the same time, climate modelling shows this region is likely to experience hotter temperatures, more extreme weather events, and less reliable rainfall, so it’s important we’re looking ahead and investing in solutions that aren’t dependent on climate.
“That’s why desalination is the right choice. It’s a secure, climate-independent source that can be scaled over time, and helps reduce reliance on groundwater supplies. It also reflects what we’ve heard from stakeholders and the community, with strong support for desalination as the preferred long-term option.”
“Importantly, introducing desalinated water into the supply will also reduce the overall hardness of the water, which should lead to noticeable improvements in aesthetics, including taste, for local households and businesses.”
Currently, Exmouth’s drinking water scheme supplies around 3,000 residents and a large number of seasonal visitors, often operating close to capacity.
The proposed new desalination source will be delivered in stages to supplement the existing groundwater supply. Initial capacity will be sized to meet medium-term demand, with infrastructure scaled up as required to support longer-term needs.
Three potential sites have been shortlisted for the plant, with further investigations and consultation to inform the final selection.
“Staging the plant means we can deliver the right amount of infrastructure at the right time – supporting growth in a cost-effective way,” Mr Hambleton said.
“We know how important the local environment is, so our focus is on finding the best possible site and delivering this in a way that protects the region’s unique coastal and marine values.
“We’ve already been engaging with Traditional Owners, local stakeholders and the broader community, and that collaboration will continue as we refine the site and plant design.”
The significant environmental values of the Exmouth Gulf will be carefully considered throughout planning and delivery, with extensive investigations required to support State and Federal environmental approvals.
Pending government and environmental approvals, project delivery is expected to be completed within five years.
Investigations have been supported by a $1 million grant from the Australian Government’s National Water Grid Fund.
WA’s first public desalination plant providing direct supply to a regional community is currently under construction in Onslow. Investigations are also underway in other regions to supplement traditional water sources and build long-term climate resilience.
Water Corporation will host community information drop-in sessions at Ross Street Mall, near Exmouth IGA on Friday 8 August, 2:30pm–4:30pm and Saturday 9 August, 9:30am–11:30am. These sessions offer the opportunity for local residents to learn more about water source planning and share feedback directly with the project team.
For more information, visit: watercorporation.com.au/exmouthwater