South West water supply

Population growth, limited water resources and growing demand from industry are driving our plans in the South West region.

In 2015, we undertook the Water Forever South West study, which set out a long-term vision for sustainable water services over the next 50 years. The study recognised the need to prepare for growing demand, changing rainfall patterns and a more variable climate. 

Today, that long-term planning continues to guide investment in water efficiency, water recycling and new water sources to help secure South West's water future. 

Securing drinking water supplies

Most towns in the South West are supplied by independent local dams and/or groundwater sources.

While dams will continue to play an important role in the region's water supply, our drying climate means we cannot rely on them alone in the future.

To help secure future supplies, we're investigating new water sources for several schemes and investing in more resilient water networks. 

We have also been integrating water systems that historically relied on independent town dams with alternative sources, including groundwater. For example, the Warren Blackwood scheme has evolved from several separate dam-dependent supplies into an integrated network serving Nannup, Bridgetown, Hester, Boyup Brook, Greenbushes, Balingup and Manjimup, reducing reliance on dam and surface water sources alone.

Reducing water use

Our customers are committed to water conservation, with some of the lowest water use per person in the state.

We work with South West communities through a range of programs such as our Southwest Liveability Partnership program, Waterwise Schools, Waterwise Councils, Waterwise Aquatic Centres and targeted water saving programs.

Responding to climate change

Low rainfall coupled with ongoing hot and dry conditions have impacted on-farm storages, shire dams and Department of Water and Environmental Regulation strategic community water supplies. To secure water supplies in these areas we utilise water carting when needed and shire fixed standpipes.

Improving our wastewater services

In recent years, we have completed major upgrades to several South West wastewater treatment plants and wastewater systems to meet population growth and industrial development needs. Further wastewater upgrades are planned, for example in Dalyellup and Donnybrook.

Increasing water recycling

About 27% of wastewater in the South West is recycled each year. This amounts to 3.7 billion litres each year and we plan to increase this amount in the future.

More wastewater by volume is recycled in the South West region than any other region in WA.

Major recycling schemes include:

• Busselton Golf Club irrigation scheme
• Margaret River recycling scheme
• Kemerton and Manjimup tree farms.

We're also committed to increasing long-term water recycling for public open space and industrial use from Busselton and Bunbury wastewater treatment plants.