27/03/2023 SA Water desalination and water security

The South Australian Government has accepted the advice of the SA Water Board that Billy Lights Point is the preferred location for a desalination plant to provide a climate-independent supply of drinking water to Eyre Peninsula.

A South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) report found that with the right design, a desalination plant can be built at this location without negatively impacting the local marine environment. 

Oceanographic modelling by SARDI shows that once the plant is operational, long-term salinity levels in the bay will remain within natural background levels.

Billy Lights Point is also a former industrial site situated away from residential properties and set back from the coastline meaning there will be less impact on residents and the natural environment.

SA Water has been operating the Adelaide Desalination Plant in Lonsdale for more than a decade.

In this segment, we hear from Peter Seltsikas, Senior Manager, Capital Delivery, SA Water on what this means for South Australians and their water supply.