Brackish groundwater: a viable community water supply option?
Project details
| Objective: | The objective of the project was to develop a discussion paper outlining the benefits and drawbacks of the use of brackish groundwater as a water supply option, with a focus on potable supplies for regional and remote communities. |
| Funding: |
$120,000 plus applicable GST. |
| Jurisdiction: | National – regional and remote |
| Commenced: | February 2011 |
| Completion: | August 2011 |
About the project
This project investigated the feasibility of treating brackish groundwater as part of an integrated water supply option in regional and remote communities in Australia. Six sites around Australia were investigated to understand the costs and benefits. Overall, the feasibility of using brackish groundwater as a water supply option is dependent on a number of considerations, particularly geographic location and raw water quality. Subject to these considerations, brackish groundwater desalination can be considered a viable community water supply option in some areas.
Project benefits
Water authorities considering brackish groundwater desalination as a water supply option can learn valuable lessons from towns and communities that already own and operate desalination plants. This report investigates six such locations around Australia and presents case studies on each.
Project outcomes
The Waterlines report for this project was launched on 15 December 2011. It provides water supply authorities with a practical way of determining what needs to be taken into consideration for a new water supply investment in groundwater.