The Australian Government has committed $6.6 million through the National Water Grid Fund towards this package of 4 projects in South Australia. The total estimated cost of the package is $13.3 million, with project partners contributing $6.7 million.
The Hart Lagoon wetland was delivered through the National Water Grid funded Waikerie irrigated agricultural water access and security project. It benefits the community, agriculture and environment. Image credit: Loxton Waikerie District Council.
Project overview
The Water Infrastructure for Sustainable and Efficient Regions (WISER) initiative supports an increase in uptake of recycled water in South Australia to reduce reliance on climate vulnerable water sources including the Murray River.
It is expected that collectively these projects will:
- support the distribution of up to 1,325 megalitres per year of climate independent recycled water for productive use.
- provide up to 400 megalitres per year of recycled water for productive and community use including irrigating public parks and gardens.
- deliver secure drinking water to one community, mitigating the need for bottled water.
South Australia water infrastructure projects under the WISER initiative include:
- Northern Adelaide Irrigation Scheme Recycled Water Pipeline to Mallala
- Constructing a pipeline to enable the distribution of up to 1,325 megalitres per year of recycled water for productive use at Mallala, in the Adelaide Plains. This climate change independent source of water will support the development of high tech greenhouse vegetable production.
- Waikerie Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade
- Upgrading the existing wastewater treatment plant at Waikerie in the Riverland region of South Australia to increase capacity and water security. This will generate around 200 megalitres per year of recycled water to irrigate community spaces, maintaining amenity and liveability.
- Loxton Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade
- Redesigning and upgrading the existing wastewater treatment plant at Loxton, in the Riverland region of South Australia to increase capacity. This will enable around 200 megalitres per year of recycled water to be reused while minimising localised flooding at community facilities.
- Wellington East Water Supply
- Converting a non drinking water system in the township of Wellington East, in the Murraylands region of South Australia, and connecting it to an existing drinking water scheme. This will reduce reliance on rainwater and bottled water by providing safe and reliable drinking water with the potential for expansion as the population grows.