Possible Future Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant

Artists impression of future Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant

What we're investigating?

We are investigating the feasibility of a new seawater desalination plant in Alkimos. Our investigations include:

  • Building a 25 billion litre per year seawater desalination plant, with future expansions of 25 billion litres per year to follow
  • Building a new seawater intake pipeline and outfall along the ocean bed
  • Building a pipeline from Alkimos to Wanneroo, where the water will be connected to Perth’s water supply
  • Understanding environmental impacts
  • Working with the community to understand its needs

We are also investigating a co-located groundwater scheme.

What could a plant look like?

Our design*, shown in the artist’s impression above, takes into consideration:

  • Reducing any visual impact on the local community
  • Noise and light management
  • Access to the site for vehicles and plant employees
  • Potential future expansion of the existing wastewater treatment plant on this site to accommodate growth of Perth’s northern suburbs

*The design of the possible future desalination plant is subject to change.

Protecting the marine environment

As part of our planning and approvals we are completing detailed studies and modelling of the local marine environment.

Water Corporation will continue to work with environmental regulators and the community on protecting the marine environment.

Planning the intake and outfall pipelines

We are completing marine studies and modelling that will identify the preferred location for intake and outfall pipelines along the ocean bed. Once this work is complete we will share our plans with the community and stakeholders.

Impacts on the local community

Reducing impacts during construction and operation on the Alkimos community is a key priority. In 2018 we will start to engage with the community so they become part of the early planning process.

How can you get involved?

You can have your say by filling out a short survey, leaving a comment or question below or by emailing community.engagement@watercorporation.com.au

Further updates about the consultation process and opportunities to have your say will be published as they are made available. By registering your details, you can stay informed and continue to input feedback as we progress.

How we will use your input

Your feedback will be considered as an important part of our investigations and may also be included in environmental approvals documentation.

Join the discussion - tell us your feedback about the Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant

What we're investigating?

We are investigating the feasibility of a new seawater desalination plant in Alkimos. Our investigations include:

  • Building a 25 billion litre per year seawater desalination plant, with future expansions of 25 billion litres per year to follow
  • Building a new seawater intake pipeline and outfall along the ocean bed
  • Building a pipeline from Alkimos to Wanneroo, where the water will be connected to Perth’s water supply
  • Understanding environmental impacts
  • Working with the community to understand its needs

We are also investigating a co-located groundwater scheme.

What could a plant look like?

Our design*, shown in the artist’s impression above, takes into consideration:

  • Reducing any visual impact on the local community
  • Noise and light management
  • Access to the site for vehicles and plant employees
  • Potential future expansion of the existing wastewater treatment plant on this site to accommodate growth of Perth’s northern suburbs

*The design of the possible future desalination plant is subject to change.

Protecting the marine environment

As part of our planning and approvals we are completing detailed studies and modelling of the local marine environment.

Water Corporation will continue to work with environmental regulators and the community on protecting the marine environment.

Planning the intake and outfall pipelines

We are completing marine studies and modelling that will identify the preferred location for intake and outfall pipelines along the ocean bed. Once this work is complete we will share our plans with the community and stakeholders.

Impacts on the local community

Reducing impacts during construction and operation on the Alkimos community is a key priority. In 2018 we will start to engage with the community so they become part of the early planning process.

How can you get involved?

You can have your say by filling out a short survey, leaving a comment or question below or by emailing community.engagement@watercorporation.com.au

Further updates about the consultation process and opportunities to have your say will be published as they are made available. By registering your details, you can stay informed and continue to input feedback as we progress.

How we will use your input

Your feedback will be considered as an important part of our investigations and may also be included in environmental approvals documentation.

Join the discussion - tell us your feedback about the Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant

  • Project update- 9 November 2018

    2 months ago

    Residents and visitors to Alkimos Beach may notice a large offshore drilling barge as it mobilises to the area on November 12 .

    The barge will drill small core sample holes to collect information on the seafloor and geology beneath the sea bed. This information is important to selecting the most appropriate location of and construction method of offshore parts of the potential plant.

    The barge is expected to be in the area off the Alkimos coast until late December. Work will be completed seven days a week (weather depending).

    Vessels are advised to maintain a safe distance of no...

    Residents and visitors to Alkimos Beach may notice a large offshore drilling barge as it mobilises to the area on November 12 .

    The barge will drill small core sample holes to collect information on the seafloor and geology beneath the sea bed. This information is important to selecting the most appropriate location of and construction method of offshore parts of the potential plant.

    The barge is expected to be in the area off the Alkimos coast until late December. Work will be completed seven days a week (weather depending).

    Vessels are advised to maintain a safe distance of no less than 25 metres from the drilling rig. A marine exclusion zone will be in place during the work. A map of the work area and further information is available here.

    Access to Alkimos Beach for fishing, swimming or recreating will not be impacted. A seismic survey of the area is planned to be complete by mid-November.

    We thank the Alkimos community and fishers in the area for your patience while we complete this important work.

  • Project update- 17 October 2018

    3 months ago

    A marine exclusion zone will remain off the coast off Alkimos until the end of October while seismic surveys are completed.

    The work, which started in late September, has involved specialised vessels transiting the area to collect information about the seabed, which is being collected as part of investigations underway in relation to a possible future Alkimos seawater desalination plant.

    Weather delays have affected the completion of the work.

    Once the survey is complete, a core sample drilling program will begin. A large offshore drilling rig might be seen from the coastline. This work...

    A marine exclusion zone will remain off the coast off Alkimos until the end of October while seismic surveys are completed.

    The work, which started in late September, has involved specialised vessels transiting the area to collect information about the seabed, which is being collected as part of investigations underway in relation to a possible future Alkimos seawater desalination plant.

    Weather delays have affected the completion of the work.

    Once the survey is complete, a core sample drilling program will begin. A large offshore drilling rig might be seen from the coastline. This work is planned to take about five weeks from early / mid-November. An exclusion zone will be in place for the area surrounding the rig, delineated by four yellow buoys.

    Water Corporation appreciates the patience of the community, including boaters and fishers, while we complete the work.


  • Marine exclusion zone as surveys begin off Alkimos coast

    4 months ago

    A temporary marine exclusion zone will be in place off the Alkimos coast from 17 September, 2018 for up to three months while we complete a seismic survey and core sample drilling as part of our feasibility investigations.

    The surveys will help us understand the subsea geology and where and how the intake and outfall pipelines for the potential future seawater desalination plant may be located and installed.

    The seismic survey, which will be completed by a specially equipped vessel, will be completed first, followed by the core sample drilling, which will be completed using a jack up...

    A temporary marine exclusion zone will be in place off the Alkimos coast from 17 September, 2018 for up to three months while we complete a seismic survey and core sample drilling as part of our feasibility investigations.

    The surveys will help us understand the subsea geology and where and how the intake and outfall pipelines for the potential future seawater desalination plant may be located and installed.

    The seismic survey, which will be completed by a specially equipped vessel, will be completed first, followed by the core sample drilling, which will be completed using a jack up barge. Once the seismic survey is complete the temporary exclusion zone will be limited to within 25m of the rig and be identified by buoys equipped with flashing yellow lights.

    Recreational fishers and boaters are reminded to please stay clear of the exclusion zone and ensure all fishing equipment is removed by 16 September to prevent it being damaged. Beach access will not be affected by the work and the rig may be visible from the shoreline.

    For more information, coordinates and a map of the exclusion zone please click here.

  • Meet the Team: Alkimos Information Showcase – August 19

    5 months ago

    We will be joining Lendlease and other government departments and agencies at the Alkimos Information Showcase event on Sunday, August 19 from 11am to 2pm. Come visit the Water Corporation stall to learn about our plans for Alkimos or for some great waterwise information and tips.

    You can also call us anytime by contacting Community Engagement Senior Advisor Tarryn Truscott via email to community.engagement@watercorporation.com.au or phoning 9420 3488.

    We will be joining Lendlease and other government departments and agencies at the Alkimos Information Showcase event on Sunday, August 19 from 11am to 2pm. Come visit the Water Corporation stall to learn about our plans for Alkimos or for some great waterwise information and tips.

    You can also call us anytime by contacting Community Engagement Senior Advisor Tarryn Truscott via email to community.engagement@watercorporation.com.au or phoning 9420 3488.

  • Project Update - June 2018

    7 months ago

    Possible future Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant Project Update June 2018

    Public comment opens: offshore investigations

    We are planning on completing a seismic survey and core sample drilling to help us understand the offshore geology and where and how the intake and outfall pipelines for the potential plant may be located and installed. During this work, which will involve vessels with specialised equipment and a jack up barge, marine exclusion zones will be in place to ensure the safety of workers and the community.

    We have submitted for the environmental approvals necessary for this work....

    Possible future Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant Project Update June 2018

    Public comment opens: offshore investigations

    We are planning on completing a seismic survey and core sample drilling to help us understand the offshore geology and where and how the intake and outfall pipelines for the potential plant may be located and installed. During this work, which will involve vessels with specialised equipment and a jack up barge, marine exclusion zones will be in place to ensure the safety of workers and the community.

    We have submitted for the environmental approvals necessary for this work. As part of this approval a public comment period is open until 5 July, 2018. To find out more about this work you can read an information sheet here. To read our approvals documentation or to submit a public comment visit http://epbcnotices.environment.gov.au/invitations/ (Reference: 2018/8224)

    Meet the Team: Community conversations at the Sprout Hub

    Members of the investigations team will be at the Sprout Hub café (at Bristlebird Park Providence Drive & Sanderling Street, Alkimos) for informal conversations and a chance to learn more about the feasibility studies.

    Our next sessions will be Thursday, June 28 from 9.30am to 11.30am and Tuesday, July 10 from 1.30pm to 3.30pm You can also call us anytime by contacting Community Engagement Senior Advisor Tarryn Truscott via email to community.engagement@watercorporation.com.au or phoning 9420 3488.

    In the News

    The investigations recently featured in this news article: Public feedback sought on potential Alkimos desalination plant (Source: North Coast Times, 25/5/2018).

    You can also read about how Perth’s desalination plants have contributed to our water supply at http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-06-21/how-perth-dodged-its-own-water-crisis-like-day-zero-in-cape-town/9891472 (Source: ABC)

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

    comment
    Submitting your comment
    Cancel