A new State Government Groundwater Replenishment Visitor Centre has officially launched in Craigie, Western Australia.
Groundwater replenishment is the process by which treated wastewater undergoes advanced treatment to produce drinking water. The water is recharged to an aquifer for later use as a drinking water source.
The interactive hub is designed to take visitors on the journey of Perth’s newest water source, developed as a result of the profound impact of climate change. The recently completed digital components in the hub allow visitors to interact with the water cycle using touch screens.
The first stage of the Groundwater Replenishment Scheme in Craigie started recharging recycled water in late 2017, and has the capacity to produce 14 billion litres of water each year. Work is underway to expand the scheme’s capacity to 28 billion litres of water a year.
Groundwater replenishment forms part of the State Government’s Water Forever plans, to secure water supplies in response to climate change. These plans are based on a three-pronged approach to develop new water sources, reduce water use and increase water recycling. Groundwater replenishment could supply up to 20 per cent of Perth’s drinking water by 2060.
