New arrangement secures recycled water for irrigators

SA Water and Willunga Basin Water (WBW) have reached an in-principle agreement to enter into a new long-term contract for the supply of climate-independent recycled water to around 240 irrigators across the McLaren Vale region, providing water security to WBW customers through to 2052 and beyond.

WBW currently supplies around 6,000 megalitres a year of recycled water, which is sourced from and treated at SA Water’s Aldinga and Christies Beach wastewater treatment plants, before being delivered through 140 kilometres of pipeline either direct to WBW customers or via several large storages in the area.

SA Water’s General Manager Customer and Commercial Danny Moore said the extended arrangement is a fantastic outcome for local grape growers and the environment.

“An initial 40-year arrangement with WBW began in 1998, and while this wasn’t due to conclude for another 16 years, we understand the importance of long-term planning for irrigators, so have been in discussions with WBW for the past 12 or so months on the best path forward for everyone involved,” Danny said.

“As a result, arrangements will be renewed for a further 30 years from July 2022, with mechanisms in place for rolling renewals of minimum 20-year terms.

“This sustained supply of recycled water also means we can continue to reduce the reliance on mains-water for irrigation uses and minimise the discharge of treated wastewater from our treatment plants into the environment.

“We are Australia’s second largest recycler of water, delivering around 30 billion litres of recycled water through 16 schemes across regional and metropolitan South Australia, so we’re pleased this renewed arrangement with WBW will continue a key contribution to this valuable work.

Willunga Basin Water’s Chief Operating Officer Craig Heidenreich said it has been providing a sustainable and reliable recycled water supply to the McLaren Vale region for over 20 years.

“We are pleased to be able to partner with SA Water to extend the current arrangements for another 30 years, with potential to maintain a minimum ongoing term of 20 years,” Craig said.

SA Water and WBW are finalising details of the arrangement, with a view to executing the new agreement by 30 June 2023.

WBW will also be in contact with its customers over the coming months on how their agreements can be extended to align with the terms of the new arrangement with SA Water.

In parallel, a water security strategy for the McLaren Vale region is being developed by the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) in collaboration with SA Water, WBW, local stakeholders and community members.

Department for Environment and Water Manager Water Security Dr Ashley Kingsborough said this agreement between SA Water and WBW is a key building block for the region’s long-term water security.

“Long-term water planning for this area will consider all potential sources of water in the development of a climate resilient strategy that ensures the region remains water secure into the future,” Ashley said.

Workshops will be held throughout 2023 to develop the strategy, with more information about the strategy development process available on DEW’s website.

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