In April 2021, SA Water put the preferred site of its planned Eyre Peninsula seawater desalination plant near Sleaford Bay under review. Detailed design and engineering assessments had found that ground conditions would make some of the infrastructure difficult to build and add to project costs. Sleaford Bay was not ruled out, but the utility set out to look for cheaper alternatives in the region. The expected start of operation in late 2022 would change as a result. Final costs were to be confirmed through procurement.
The report showed that site decisions for desalination plants are often settled only in detailed design: ground conditions and construction costs can call into question a site that suits environmental and cultural priorities.
Source: Utility Magazine