The delivery of a new water pipeline from Alkimos to Wanneroo is now underway, marking a major milestone in the $2.8 billion Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant (ASDP) project.
The Alkimos to Wanneroo desalination pipeline is part of a program of works that will help secure Western Australia’s future drinking water supply. This project also plays a key role in transferring over 50 billion litres of water annually from the ASDP.
The 33.5-kilometre underground pipeline will run from Alkimos to Wanneroo where desalinated water will be added into the Integrated Water Supply Scheme (IWSS), supplying drinking water to over 2.5 million people across Western Australia.
The Alkimos to Wanneroo desalination pipeline is the largest water pipeline ever built by Water Corporation at 1.6 metres in diameter, and it is sized for current and future stages of ASDP.
The larger-diameter pipe has been designed to improve energy efficiency by reducing pumping requirements. This will result in a 21 per cent decrease in greenhouse gas emissions compared to smaller pipes.
Each pipe will have a length of 12 metres and will weigh around nine tonnes. The pipes are expected to have a lifespan of around 120 years.
For the first time, these pipes are being manufactured in Western Australia after the awarding of a $58 million contract to Steel Mains in 2022, which also facilitated the expansion of the company’s Kwinana plant.
The locally manufactured pipes will be made from Pilbara iron ore and Cockburn concrete. Not only does this help minimise greenhouse gas emissions, but it will also drive down pressure on supply chains.
Construction on the first six-kilometre section of the pipeline is now underway in Alkimos and works on the remaining 27.5 kilometres are set to begin in 2025. The entire Alkimos to Wanneroo desalination pipeline is due to be completed in 2027, ahead of the beginning of operations of the ASDP.
The consortium between Georgiou Group and DM Drainage and Constructions has been named as the preferred proponent to design, build and commission the remaining 27.5-kilometre section of the pipeline. The joint venture is partnering with Water Corporation to form the Alkimos Pipeline Alliance, bringing together extensive expertise in large-scale steel water pipeline projects.
“The start of the Alkimos to Wanneroo desalination pipeline is a major step forward in securing a sustainable water supply for 2.5 million people across Western Australia.
“This water pipeline, the largest ever built by Water Corporation, will deliver over 50 million litres of clean, safe drinking water each year to homes and businesses through the Integrated Water Supply Scheme.
“Unlike other global cities that are facing significant water supply challenges, Perth has acted to ensure our water supply network is more resilient to the impacts of climate change.
“By integrating this new source into our water supply, we are strengthening water security, ensuring that our community can rely on a rainfall independent water supply in the face of a drying climate,” Water Minister Simone McGurk said.
The delivery of the ASDP and Alkimos to Wanneroo desalination pipeline projects combined will create more than 1,500 jobs including over 170 apprentices and trainee positions.
The projects will also inject $1.1 billion into the Western Australian economy, with $65 million directed to Aboriginal businesses – delivering significant economic benefits across the State.
The $2.8 billion program of works is made possible by the State Government’s Budget surplus, and it includes the construction of the first stage of the ASDP, the desalination pipeline, and the additional related projects to integrate ASDP into the wider supply scheme across Perth.
This significant investment underlines the Western Australian Government’s ongoing commitment to securing a sustainable water future while driving economic growth and creating jobs for all Western Australians.
“My Government is committed to creating good manufacturing jobs for Western Australians, as we work to grow and diversify the State’s economy.
“Commencement of works to build the enormous 1.6 metre-wide Alkimos to Wanneroo desalination pipeline right here in Kwinana is a major milestone for our efforts to deliver WA’s next major water source.
“Together, construction of the desalination plant and pipeline will create more than 1,500 local jobs and inject over $1.1 billion into the WA economy.
“Thanks to the foresights of former and current WA Labor governments, we are leading Australian and other nations when it comes to innovative, climate-resilient water sources and securing our state’s future water supply.
“The $2.8 billion Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant is my Government’s next major infrastructure project, and critical to meet the needs of WA’s growing population and set our state up for the long-term,” Premier Roger Cook said.
Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Water Corporation; Utility Magazine