The WA State Government’s 3.4km new pipeline between the Denmark River Dam and Quickup Dam, as well as a 700 metre extension to an existing pipeline, are now complete. The pipelines are part of the State Government’s plans to secure Denmark’s drinking water supply.
WA Water Minister, Mia Davies, said the Water Corporation project would allow more water from Denmark River Dam to be used in times of low rainfall.
“Last year Denmark experienced its second driest year on record and current winter rainfall is once again below average, so we are taking steps to ensure residents have a reliable water supply before summer,” Ms Davies said.
“The Water Corporation plans to use the pipelines straight away as Denmark River Dam is overflowing and salinity levels are low, while Quickup Dam is only at 33 per cent capacity.”
The Minister said there was now the capability to transfer 2.6 million litres of water each day from Denmark River Dam to Quickup Dam or alternatively to Denmark’s drinking water supply. Denmark’s current water demand is 0.9 million litres each day, so the remainder will be banked in Quickup Dam for later use.
Ms Davies said it would not be necessary to desalinate the water transferred from Denmark River Dam at the moment, as salinity levels were lower than usual.
“The Water Corporation is still progressing works to install portable desalination units to ensure they remain an option for future water supply in the event of ongoing low rainfall,” she said.
“Further analysis of the various options for managing brackish water, which is produced by the desalination process, is continuing.”
The Minister said options that balanced environmental and social considerations, and the economic cost to customers, would be selected.
Ms Davies thanked Denmark residents for their water efficiency efforts and urged customers to continue their good work in reducing their water use.
Fact file
- Local suppliers have been engaged to deliver elements of the pipeline projects such as electrical works and earthmoving. The project has employed up to 28 people during construction.
- Bureau of Meteorology data shows the driest year on record in Denmark was 1940, when the town received just 736mm of rainfall. In 2014, the town received only 766.7mm and experienced its driest August on record.
For more information, visit https://www.watercorporation.com.au.
