Major industrial companies in the Port Hedland area will fund a $6million drilling investigation program for a fit-for-purpose water supply scheme.


BHP Billiton Iron Ore, Fortescue Metals Group, North West Infrastructure and the Water Corporation have joined forces to establish the viability of a 10 billion litres per year water supply from the West Canning Basin, 120km east of Port Hedland.
 
Water Minister Bill Marmion said the Department of Water had reserved 10 billion litres of water for the Water Corporation, which would manage the drilling investigation in collaboration with industry.


“Early investigations have shown the water quality at the West Canning Basin is suited to industrial use and the volume of water available would support a major new supply scheme,” Mr Marmion said.


“If the investigation results are positive, the next step would be to enter into commercial negotiations for the development of a new scheme.  Existing borefields that supply the town would be prioritised for residential and community amenity developments.


“The results are expected by the end of 2012, and they will take into account the environmental and traditional owner impacts as well as the potential borefield and pipeline layout.  This is a great example of the State Government continuing to work with industry to support Western Australia’s ongoing growth.”


This announcement comes after an additional five billion litres of groundwater was allocated to the Water Corporation in December 2011 for town use.