Construction is underway on a $23 million project to strengthen Jurien Bay’s drinking water supply, delivering an additional 100 million litres a year as climate pressure on supply intensifies.
Funded by the Albanese and Cook Labor governments, the project includes commissioning an existing groundwater bore, constructing a two-kilometre pipeline and building a new water treatment plant.
Delivered by Water Corporation, the pipeline will connect the new bore and treatment facility to the town’s existing storage tank, with powerlines extended to the bore site.
Jurien Bay currently relies on groundwater bores drawing from a shallow aquifer that has been affected by reduced recharge as rainfall patterns shift. The new bore will access a deeper aquifer with lower salinity, and when blended with the existing supply, is expected to improve both water quality and reliability.
Once complete, the project will increase Jurien Bay’s total water supply capacity by 24 per cent, lifting annual supply to 520 million litres.
“This project will help strengthen Jurien Bay’s water security by accessing deeper, more sustainable groundwater supplies while also ensuring the town can continue to meet rising demand,” said Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt.
The investment is also expected to support continued growth in the coastal community, particularly during peak tourism periods when demand increases.
As part of the works, localised widening of Jurien Road will occur at the intersection with the new water treatment plant access road.
“Jurien Bay is a growing coastal community and a popular tourism destination, and it’s important we continue investing in the infrastructure that supports that growth,” said WA Water Minister Don Punch.
The Cook Labor Government is contributing $18.65 million, with the Albanese Government providing $4.35 million through the National Water Grid’s Water Infrastructure for Sustainable and Efficient Regions initiative.
Construction is expected to be completed by mid-2027.
