The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation has said the final stage of a project to improve water quality in the Murchison is now complete.
The Meekatharra Advanced Water Plant, powered by renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions and operating costs, is now up and running.
Minister for Water, Dave Kelly said the finality followed the Water Corporation’s successful delivery of similar plants in Mount Magnet, Cue and Sandstone.
Mr Kelly said the plants used a process called Electrodialysis Reversal (EDR) to separate naturally occurring salts from water, reducing nitrate levels, salinity and hardness.
“Residents will see improvements in taste and water quality,” Mr Kelly said.
“Similar plants in Wiluna and Yalgoo have seen reductions in nitrate levels of up to 75 per cent,” he said.
“The Meekatharra EDR plant will harness renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions and operating costs, while allowing the plant to continue operating during power outages.”
He said Meekatharra would join the Water Corporation’s 2022-23 Waterwise Towns Program in October.
The program provides tailored rebates to regional towns across the State to assist communities to reduce water usage.
“Through the Water Corporation, the Government is allocating more than $29 million to new water projects in the Mid-West over the next four years, including $17.5 million in the current financial year,” Mr Kelly said.
“This will allow communities across the region to grow and develop with the support of secure, sustainable water infrastructure.”
