Southern Seawater Desalination Plant
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In May 2007, the WA Government announced that a new desalination plant, the Southern Seawater Desalination Plant (SSDP), near Binningup in the Shire of Harvey would be the next major water source for WA.
Following an extensive two year approvals period and two year construction period, the first stage of the plant was officially opened in September 2011.
The plant was designed to be constructed in two stages, both capable of producing 50 billion litres (gigalitres) of fresh drinking water per year.
Stage two - expansion
In August 2011, the WA Government announced work would begin immediately on the second stage of the plant, doubling its capacity to 100 billion litres per year. The decision to move on the expansion of the new plant sooner than first anticipated was essential due of the lack of inflow from rainfall into the dams for the second winter in a row.
When the second stage is complete in late 2012, at least half of the water needed for the Perth metropolitan area will be supplied from climate independent desalination providing security to our water supplies even in the driest of years – in both the short term and long term.
While the expansion was the only major water source that could be delivered in the rapid timeframe required to meet the 2012/13 summer demand, we are continuing to investigate other supply solutions for future development. This includes groundwater replenishment and, longer term, perhaps water from further afield if that is what is required.
Connection to the Integrated Water Supply Scheme
The plant delivers water to the Integrated Water Supply System (IWSS) that supplies over 1.7 million people in Perth and parts of the South West. It is connected to a scheme supplying part of the Agricultural Region and Kalgoorlie-Boulder in the Goldfields almost 600 kilometres east of Perth.
Take a look inside the Southern Seawater Desalination Plant
If you would like more information or would like to join our mailing list, email desalination@watercorporation.com.au or call 1800 810 075.
