Wastewater treatment plant upgrades to cater for growth

A $20.4 million upgrade to the Margaret River Wastewater Treatment Plant in Western Australia has begun, and once complete, will double the capacity of the plant to produce three million litres per day.

The upgrade comprises new treatment equipment, tanks and an additional storage pond, and will ensure the plant can safely and efficiently treat increasing volumes of wastewater into the future, as the population in the region continues to grow.

Minister for Water, Dave Kelly, said, “Wastewater is 99.97 per cent water, as it comes mostly from showers, baths and washing machines.

“Following treatment, 80 per cent of the water exiting the plant is re-used to irrigate a government-owned woodlot and public open space in the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River.

“Given the south-west corner of Western Australia is one of the places on the planet most impacted by climate change, it is important we find safe and reliable alternatives such as this to support the water needs of our community.

“It’s great to see such a large project take advantage of local resources and the local workforce.”

Construction is expected to be completed by December 2019. The plant, which is 2.5km north-east of the town centre on Long Road, was constructed in 2001.

Approximately 20 Western Australian workers will be involved in the project, and local companies will be subcontracted to complete the work.

The State Government, through the Water Corporation, plans to invest $59.8 million in water and wastewater infrastructure in the south-west region in 2018-19.