Kununurra Wastewater Planning Review

Why are we reviewing planning for Kununurra’s wastewater scheme? 

Water Corporation is currently reviewing scheme planning for wastewater for Kununurra to ensure we can cater for future demand and continue to protect the environment.

The Kununurra wastewater treatment plant needs to be upgraded to continue to ensure effective treatment, so we are taking this opportunity to review all possible options to managing the town’s wastewater. All viable options will be reviewed to help determine a preferred solution by 2025.

The adoption of the recommended option will be made in consultation with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) following the planning review.

How is Kununurra’s wastewater managed?

Following treatment, the treated wastewater is then disinfected and released into the M1 channel where it is mixed with irrigation water from Lake Kununurra.

What is being considered in the wastewater planning review? 

The following options are being considered:

• Upgrade the existing treatment plant to increase capacity and improve treated wastewater quality. Treated wastewater to continue to be discharged to the M1 irrigation channel or the D1 drainage channel.
• Construct a new advanced wastewater treatment plant at the same site. Treated wastewater to continue to discharge to the M1 irrigation channel or the D1 drainage channel. 

• Assess recycling options for use of treated wastewater for irrigation during the dry season and discharge to the environment during the wet season when irrigation is not required.

• Assess storage options during the wet season and utilise treated wastewater for irrigation during the dry season. 

The final investment decision chosen may be a combination of these options being considered. 

What investigations will we be doing? 

To support our planning numerous studies will be undertaken including:

• Flood modelling of future potential sites to choose appropriate location for infrastructure
• Engineering review of existing plant and advanced treatment options
• Flora and fauna surveys
• Heritage surveys
• Geotech investigations (if required)
• Water quality monitoring
• Agronomic survey to determine best crops suited for treated wastewater irrigation 

What do we consider when we are trying to decide on which option for a scheme?

Environmental considerations, Heritage and Native Title rights, community feedback, treatment requirements, pumping facilities and pipeline requirements, and cost of treatment or pumping to customers.

• 2022 – 2023 (Completed) – Flood modelling, water quality monitoring, flora and fauna survey
• Late 2023 (Completed) – Agronomic study on potential crops
• Early 2024 – Water quality monitoring 
• Mid-Late 2024 – Heritage survey
• Ongoing consultation with the community and stakeholders will occur during the planning review.