SA Water has finalised its long term plan for the Upper Spencer Gulf designed to meet customer requirements for the next 30 years.

 

The Upper Spencer Gulf long term plan considered SA Water’s water and wastewater services in Whyalla, Port Pirie, Port Augusta, Port Germein, Crystal Brook and other surrounding country lands.

 

SA Water Chief Executive John Ringham says a detailed review of the region’s water services has found that there is sufficient water available to supply the Upper Spencer Gulf until at least 2040/41.

 

“The plan has found that overall water demand in the region is stable, with predicted growth in the number of customers balanced out by improvement in water use efficiency,” Mr Ringham says.

 

“This means that there is sufficient water available to help the Upper Spencer Gulf grow without the need for making major changes to our water supply network.

 

“However, to ensure we can continue to meet demand now and into the future, SA Water will investigate options to optimise its current network.

 

“Some of these options include possible upgrades to the Winninowie and Baroota Tanks to optimise the capacity for the use of recycled water for non-drinking purposes. These works will be undertaken if and when required.

 

“When considering the region’s wastewater services, the plan found that Whyalla has sufficient infrastructure to meet projected growth however, there is the possibility that new infrastructure may be required in Port Pirie and Port Augusta within the next 5-15 years.”

 

Mr Ringham says the long term plan took into account population growth, climate change, projected water supplies, community feedback and SA Water’s current services.

 

“To help develop the plan SA Water consulted with a broad range of stakeholders including Upper Spencer Gulf residents, property owners and I thank them for their assistance.”

 

More information is at http://www.sawater.com.au