The WA Department of Environment Regulation (DER) is now allowing for the management of brackish water from desalination units at Water Corporation’s Denmark water treatment plant.
Great Southern Regional Manager, Stuart Dyson, said two licence amendments had been granted, which could be used should the desalination units be operated.
“The first licence amendment will allow brackish water to be contained at a disused storage pond at the Albany Wastewater Treatment Plant,” Mr Dyson said.
“The second will allow us to add the brackish water to the Southern Seawater Desalination Plant.”
Mr Dyson said at this stage, the desalination units in Denmark did not need to be operated, with more water from Denmark River Dam able to be used.
“Salinity levels in Denmark River are lower than anticipated, which is allowing more water to be used to supplement Quickup Dam,” Mr Dyson said.
“Quickup Dam is now just over half full, and we are on track to meet demand this coming summer.
“We will continue to monitor inflow and salinity in the two dams and determine if the desalination units may be needed later this spring.
“I thank the Denmark community for its continued efforts to save water in the drying climate – your hard work is appreciated.”
