WA Government on track to secure drinking water supply through new pipeline in Denmark

The project to secure Denmark’s long term water security has reached an important milestone this week with the proposed route of the pipeline released to the community for feedback.

The pipeline will connect Denmark to the Lower Great Southern Towns Water Supply Scheme (LGSTWSS) in Albany.

The proposed route will see the pipeline connect to the LGSTWSS at the Chorkerup Tank, 30 kilometres north of Albany, then follow the road reserve west along Wilcox Road, Redmond Road West, Kernutts Road, and a small section of Denmark-Mount Barker Road, connecting to the existing tank supplying water to Denmark at Scotsdale.

A local ecologist assisted in the development of the proposed route, conducting surveys of flora and fauna, and advising on issues such as rare flora identification, dieback and hygiene management plans and black cockatoo habitats. Landowners along the route have also been extensively consulted and helped identify the proposed route.

In September 2019, the WA Government took the necessary and urgent action to begin planning the pipeline in response to declining rainfall from climate change. The impacts mean the town’s local dams can no longer be relied upon to supply the town in the longer term.

Minister Kelly updated Denmark residents on the project at a public meeting hosted by the Shire of Denmark last night (28 January 2020). The meeting was also attended by representatives from the Shire of Denmark, Water Corporation and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.

The WA Government, through Water Corporation, is working with Denmark residents and businesses to help keep water use in check through the Waterwise Denmark Program. This Program includes a free showerhead swap and a free home plumbing check to find and repair household leaks.

The community can provide feedback to the Water Corporation on the proposed pipeline route via its online engagement portal.

Source: WA Government