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Perth Seawater Desalination Plant 2 Investigations

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Perth Seawater Desalination Plant in Kwinana

What we're investigating

Water Corporation has operated its Perth Seawater Desalination Plant in Kwinana for more than ten years. Producing 45 billion litres of water per year (or about 18 per cent of Perth’s water supply), the plant was the first of its kind built in Western Australia.

As part of our long term planning to secure Perth’s water supply, we have completed feasibility investigations and have commenced environmental approvals for a second seawater desalination plant at Kwinana, known as Perth Seawater Desalination Plant 2. This is one of a number of water source options being considered, with a decision on when a new source may be needed for Perth dependent on a range of factors, including population growth, climate and demand.

Our investigations included:

  • A 25 billion litre per year seawater desalination plant, with a further 25 billion litre per year expansion to follow
  • Two new marine pipelines along the ocean bed to take seawater into and take brine away from the plant
  • Upgrading existing pipelines to transfer water to Thomsons Reservoir, where it will become part of Perth's water supply.

You can read more about the investigations here

What will the plant look like?

It is expected that Plant 2 will look similar to the existing seawater desalination plant in Kwinana, with considerations to mitigate construction and operational impacts (such as noise and lighting) on the surrounding industrial area.

Protecting the marine environment

Extensive research has been conducted to ensure the offshore pipelines required to bring seawater in and take brine away from the plant are located and constructed with the least possible environmental impact.

You can read more about how we are planning to protect the marine environment here.

We will continue to work with environmental regulators, other industries and the community, including the Cockburn Sound Management Council, to protect the marine environment.

Have your say and register to stay updated

You can provide feedback or register your details to stay updated by contacting community.engagement@watercorporation.com.au


What we're investigating

Water Corporation has operated its Perth Seawater Desalination Plant in Kwinana for more than ten years. Producing 45 billion litres of water per year (or about 18 per cent of Perth’s water supply), the plant was the first of its kind built in Western Australia.

As part of our long term planning to secure Perth’s water supply, we have completed feasibility investigations and have commenced environmental approvals for a second seawater desalination plant at Kwinana, known as Perth Seawater Desalination Plant 2. This is one of a number of water source options being considered, with a decision on when a new source may be needed for Perth dependent on a range of factors, including population growth, climate and demand.

Our investigations included:

  • A 25 billion litre per year seawater desalination plant, with a further 25 billion litre per year expansion to follow
  • Two new marine pipelines along the ocean bed to take seawater into and take brine away from the plant
  • Upgrading existing pipelines to transfer water to Thomsons Reservoir, where it will become part of Perth's water supply.

You can read more about the investigations here

What will the plant look like?

It is expected that Plant 2 will look similar to the existing seawater desalination plant in Kwinana, with considerations to mitigate construction and operational impacts (such as noise and lighting) on the surrounding industrial area.

Protecting the marine environment

Extensive research has been conducted to ensure the offshore pipelines required to bring seawater in and take brine away from the plant are located and constructed with the least possible environmental impact.

You can read more about how we are planning to protect the marine environment here.

We will continue to work with environmental regulators, other industries and the community, including the Cockburn Sound Management Council, to protect the marine environment.

Have your say and register to stay updated

You can provide feedback or register your details to stay updated by contacting community.engagement@watercorporation.com.au


  • Environmental approvals update

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    23 Mar 2020

    Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment Approval Update

    The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment has recently determined that Perth Water Desalination Plant 2 is not a controlled action and therefore does not require assessment and approval under the EPBC act.

    For further information on this decision visit http://epbcnotices.environment.gov.au/referralslist/ - Reference 2019/8454.

    Environmental Protection Authority Approval Update

    Water Corporation has also received confirmation from the Environmental Protection Authority that Perth Water Desalination Plant 2 will be required to be assessed under the EP Act.

    All interested parties have the opportunity to comment during the public comment. More information on the referral and how to provide comment is available here http://www.epa.wa.gov.au/proposal-search, referral number 2227.

    We will provide further confirmation on the timing of the comment period over the coming months.


  • Public comment period opens under Commonwealth EPBC Act

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    24 Jan 2020

    The Water Corporation referred the Kwinana Seawater Desalination Plant (2) proposal under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The proposal is now open for comment on the Department of Environment and Energy website for a period of 10 business days.

    You can read our referral here: http://epbcnotices.environment.gov.au/invitations/

    Reference 2019/8454.

    Public comment will close on 6 February, 2020.

    For information on how to make a public comment on a referral, please see the EPBC Notices Homepage


  • Project update –Seawater Desalination Plant proposals open for public comment

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    14 May 2019

    The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is inviting public comment on the referrals for the Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant and Perth Seawater Desalination Plant 2.

    The seven day public comment period is one of the first stages of the EPA process, where the public can provide input on whether the proposal should or should not be assessed.

    Public comment on the proposals is open until 20 May, 2019.

    You can read more about the referral process here.

    To view details of the proposals visit the EPA consultation hub here.

  • Water Corporation refers desalination options for environmental approvals

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    15 Apr 2019

    Following more than 18 months of feasibility investigations, supported by stakeholder and community engagement, the Water Corporation has referred two desalination plant proposals to the Federal Department of Environment and Energy (EPBC Act) and the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority for assessment.

    The proposals: Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant and Perth Seawater Desalination Plant 2 (in Kwinana), are part of long term planning to secure Perth’s water supply, with current planning indicating a new water source may be needed for Perth within the next 5-10 years.

    To learn more about the proposals and stay updated as assessments progress, including period of public comment, visit: https://yoursay.watercorporation.com.au/future-perth-desalination-plants.


  • Have your say and register to stay updated

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    15 Apr 2019
    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    Tell us what you think about our Perth Seawater Desalination Plant 2 investigations by filing out a quick (5-10 minute) survey. you can also register your details to stay informed. This survey will close on 18 March 2019.

    Take the survey