In May 2020, PerthNow reported that Western Australia's Water Corporation was advancing plans for a seawater desalination plant at Alkimos, north of Perth. Earlier that month the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) had signed off the utility's scoping document. The design foresaw 100 gigalitres a year, separate 3.5 m intake and outfall pipes and a 35 km pressure main to Wanneroo Reservoir. The utility was also weighing a second plant at Kwinana, further groundwater replenishment and stormwater capture. The EPA aimed to complete its assessment in June 2021.
The report showed how Perth was preparing to make its supply less dependent on rainfall, with desalination and groundwater replenishment pursued side by side and approvals stretching over several years.
Source: PerthNow