Changing perceptions across the Murchison
In WA, high nitrate concentrations in some groundwater sources are not uncommon. This is usually caused by naturally occurring plant decay over many decades.
Over the past five years, we have set out to improve water quality in the Mid West. Cue, Sandstone, Meekatharra and Mount Magnet rely on groundwater as their primary water source. What they haven’t been able to rely on, is the quality of their water. Many perceived the water unsafe due to the taste and scaling caused itchy skin.
To help us work out the best way forward, we called in the water treatment experts. The region's remote and challenging operating environment meant there was lots to consider.
Community consultation kicked off along with possible water treatment option discussions.
We decided to upgrade the town water treatment plants. This was the answer to improve the region’s water quality, if the community trusted their taps.
Diving into new infrastructure
Construction of the plants happened between 2019 and 2022. The innovative technology reduces salinity and nitrates in the water. This also reduces scaling and hardness.
The treatment process is electrodialysis reversal (EDR). Over 90% of the ground water flowing into the plant becomes high quality drinking water.
Each EDR plant harnesses renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions and operating costs. This allows them to continue working during power outages.
Engaging with local communities
What we now needed to tap into was customer insights. Would these communities turn to drinking water after years of distrust in the quality?
We engaged across the region with a range of diverse stakeholders. From surveys, to community events to school education, we tried to reach as many people as possible. We explained the benefits of the innovative water treatment plant upgrades. And the need to shift away from bottled water.
Community Engagement Senior Advisor Chantelle Blight said visiting the region allowed the team to foster positive working relationships with key stakeholders.
“By listening to our stakeholders, we were able to find out what ideas they had to encourage the community to drink and protect their improved drinking water.”
Perceptions around scheme water and Water Corporation slowly began to change.
Billboard at Cue
Waterwise towns
To make sure everyone was in the loop we continued to engage with local communities. We needed them to promote the improved water quality and promote behaviour change.
To help raise awareness, we launched the Waterwise Towns Program. This provided a range of offers to the impacted communities to help them stay waterwise.
Sandstone residents received free leak checks and upgrades to inefficient fixtures. Residents in Cue and Mount Magnet accessed a free showerhead swap.
New water the talk of the town
Gradually, our engagement with the community turned perceptions around. Over 85% of residents were drinking tap water after the upgrades. The feedback was overall water quality had improved significantly.
The success of this project was largely due to the engagement with local communities. By leaning on customer insights to drive behaviour change, we got a great outcome.
For more information, visit the Mid West water supply page.