The Western Australian Government is investing $81 million to expand the Kwinana Water Reclamation Plant.
The upgrade will increase the recycled water supply for major industrial users in the Kwinana Industrial Area. The project will add 10 million litres of recycled water a day, equivalent to four Olympic-sized swimming pools.
KWRP already supplies almost 17 million litres of recycled water daily to major industrial customers.
The expansion will lift production by 60 per cent and extend the plant’s life by 25 years.
Why does recycled water matter for Kwinana industry?
Kwinana is one of Australia’s most productive industrial regions. Located within the Western Trade Coast, the precinct contributes about $20 billion annually to the national economy and supports around 30,000 jobs.
The WA Government said the additional recycled water will give existing and emerging industries the water security they need to grow.
Those industries include green iron and steelmaking, battery mineral processing, and fuels and energy.
Premier Roger Cook said water is essential to those industrial processes.
“Expanding the Kwinana Water Reclamation Plant will provide industry with a greater supply of high-quality recycled water needed to help grow and diversify our economy,” Cook said. “As one of the world’s largest exporters of critical minerals for battery production, and an emerging hub for green iron and steelmaking, Kwinana is positioned to become a major player in global decarbonisation.”
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How does the plant produce water for industry?
The Kwinana Water Reclamation Plant has operated since 2004. It uses advanced microfiltration and reverse-osmosis technology to treat wastewater from nearby water resources and wastewater facilities.
The plant produces high-quality recycled water for industrial and cooling uses. That makes it valuable for industrial customers that need reliable process water without placing more pressure on drinking water sources.
The WA Government said increasing recycling capacity will reduce demand on groundwater and scheme water while lowering costs for industry.
What industries will benefit?
Demand for water in the Kwinana Industrial Area is increasing as established industries grow and clean-energy sectors take shape. The expanded plant will support industries that need secure and reliable water for production, processing and cooling.
Those industries include battery minerals, green iron, steelmaking, fuels and energy.
Cook said the project will help attract investment to the precinct.
“With water essential to these industrial processes, this expansion will help attract new investment to one of Australia’s most productive industrial precincts, underpinning economic growth and supporting thousands of Western Australian jobs.”
What does the project mean for water security?
The expansion supports Water Corporation’s long-term recycling goals and the WA Government’s broader sustainability strategies. It also strengthens industrial water security by using treated wastewater as a productive resource.
Water Minister Don Punch said recycled water can help meet growing demand while protecting other water sources.
“This $81 million expansion of the Kwinana Water Reclamation Plant will deliver more recycled water for industry, helping drive economic growth while supporting cleaner, more efficient operations,” Punch said. “Demand for water in the Kwinana Industrial Area is increasing as established industries grow and new clean-energy sectors take shape, making secure, reliable water supplies essential for future investment.”
What happens next?
Construction of the first phase is nearing completion. Australian contractor BMD Constructions is delivering the works. The second phase involves the construction of a new three-kilometre supply pipeline and is due to commence in July.
Punch said the project shows how recycling wastewater can support both industry and environmental sustainability.
“Recycling wastewater offers a cost-effective way to meet this demand while protecting precious scheme water and groundwater. This upgrade not only supports industry but strengthens Western Australia’s long-term environmental sustainability.”
