The NSW Government is rounding out National Water Week by beginning investigations to double the capacity of Sydney's Desalination plant, to bolster future drought resilience and ensure we have the infrastructure to support housing and population growth.
Currently 85% of Sydney's water supply is dependent on rainfall so this project is a crucial step towards diversifying the city's water sources to make we're better placed to weather future droughts.
The investigations will determine if expanding the desalination plant at Kurnell to add another 90 billion litres a year to the network is the best and most cost-effective option.
Currently, the plant produces up to 15% of the city's water, delivering up to 250ML a day, but upgrading the infrastructure would enable 30%, pumping out 500ML a day.
Expanding the desalination plant is a key initiative of the Greater Sydney Water Strategy which identified the need to invest in non-rain dependent alternatives.
Work on the first stage of planning will get underway shortly and be finalised in 2024.
Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:
"This is about safeguarding Sydney's water future so it can continue to meet demands in a changing climate.
"We're kicking housing expansion in Greater Sydney into high gear and to ensure this growth is sustainable we must also expand vital water infrastructure.
"In a drought, Warragamba Dam can go from full to empty in five years, so it is crucial that we actively explore options to expand our water sources which will take pressure off Sydney's dams.
"Melbourne and Adelaide have already turned to desalination plants for nearly half their water use so it is high time we joined their ranks and move forward with boosting our supply options so we're better placed for future dry periods.
"As part of our commitment to a greener future, any upgrade to the plant will be 100 per cent powered by renewable energy, providing a sustainable and secure solution."
Sydney Water Managing Director, Roch Cheroux said:
"Sydney Water is preparing for the future by exploring all options as part of the Greater Sydney Water Strategy, including increased production of water supplied by the desalination plant.
"We can no longer rely on rainfall alone, so this investment allows us greater flexibility to diversify our water sources to meet Greater Sydney's future demands.
"We have also released our first ever long-term investment plan which addresses the challenges facing Greater Sydney such as significant population growth, climate change and our own ageing infrastructure."
