Northern Water Supply Project

underway

The project will investigate the option of a desalination plant and distribution pipeline in the Upper Spencer Gulf. It is expected that the plant could provide up to 260 megalitres of water per day. The Upper Spencer Gulf relies on non-renewable water sources including the Great Artesian Basin, River Murray and groundwater aquifers for community and industrial use. If built, the project would deliver a new and reliable water supply for industrial, agricultural and community use and support economic growth in the region. It would also reduce cultural and environmental damage caused by extracting water from the Great Artesian Basin and River Murray. The area draws on water from the Murray River, with a new complementary water source allowing for the water coming from the river to be used more efficiently. This also applies to the Great Artesian Basin, with both the river and basin to see improved ecological outcomes. The detailed business case will: