Bunbury is set to benefit from the construction of a new $11.9 million water recycling facility and pipeline alongside the Bunbury Wastewater Treatment Plant in Dalyellup, to supply water for use on major infrastructure projects and irrigation of public open spaces.
Climate change has particularly impacted the South West region of Western Australia, resulting in reduced rainfall, streamflow and recharge into its groundwater resources.
The use of treated recycled water to meet Bunbury’s non-potable water requirements for infrastructure projects and irrigation will alleviate the need to use high-quality potable water from the Yarragadee Aquifer, while reducing the amount of treated wastewater discharged out to sea.
The project will support local jobs by contracting local companies during construction.
The project is an initiative led by Aqwest, which will build and operate the new facility, and source water for the scheme from Water Corporation’s Bunbury Wastewater Treatment Plant.
This facility will join around 80 other water recycling schemes in operation in Western Australia providing climate resilient, fit-for-purpose water to communities and industry.
Water Minister, Dave Kelly, said that the new water recycling facility will help address water supply issues and improve livability for the Bunbury community.
“This initiative helps to address the impact climate change is having on our water supplies by ensuring the sustainability of the Yarragadee Aquifer and the future supply of potable water to homes in Bunbury,” Mr Kelly said.
“The fit-for-purpose, recycled water generated will provide a much needed water resource for industry and irrigation, and deliver far reaching benefits to the city of Bunbury community by greening the environment and improving liveability.”
Bunbury MLA, Don Punch, said that the project will help meet the needs of the community while supporting and creating local job opportunities.
“Already our local water supply is constrained, with a number of local parks going without reticulation so a project that will recycle water, protect our environment and allow for the watering of public open space to improve our suburbs is a fantastic outcome for our community,” Mr Punch said.
“This project shows we have the capacity to be innovative and develop new and sustainable ways of meeting the ongoing needs of our community, all while supporting jobs for local people.”