The national and global transition to renewable energy requires significantly increased volumes of minerals such as copper. Increasing production in northern South Australia will become critical to meeting this demand but doing so will require large volumes of water – around 84 litres of water is used to produce just one kilogram of copper (CSIRO, 2023). The emerging green hydrogen industry needs water to generate hydrogen via electrolysis, and the defence industry also contributes to this growing demand for water.

Industries in northern South Australia and the Upper Spencer Gulf are currently reliant on water from the Great Artesian Basin and the River Murray. Desalination provides the opportunity for a new and climate-independent water source, which will reduce reliance on the Great Artesian Basin and River Murray.

Northern Water is a reliable and sustainable new wholesale water source. The project is driven by the growing needs of a broad range of industries and reducing pressure on precious water resources like the Great Artesian Basin and the River Murray. A new sustainable source of water will unlock many growth opportunities in northern South Australia including in the mining and minerals processing industry, emerging hydrogen and green energy initiatives, the defence industry based in Woomera, pastoralists, and others who will all be able to access the water.

SA Water delivers essential water services to South Australians, including the community of Port Lincoln. Northern Water is limited in its ability to be part of the solution to Port Lincoln’s water security needs as it is not yet a committed project. Additionally, if Northern Water proceeds, the earliest water would be available is in 2028.

By building the Northern Water desalination plant and pipeline, the Government of South Australia can make sure that the social and economic benefits flow to the wider communities of the region. It also ensures that infrastructure is not duplicated, and that high environmental and community expectations are met. Government involvement also protects the asset from being monopolised by any single water user, protecting access to the supply for smaller users. Because there is such a high demand for water in northern South Australia, the initial cost of the project can be offset by long-term commercial supply agreements, which significantly reduces risk to the state.

Water produced for the Northern Water project will be of a potable standard. Prospective customers have a range of water quality requirements. It was found that providing all customers with water treated to the same standard was the most cost-effective option.

The cost of transferring water from the coast to northern South Australia and the Upper Spencer Gulf is significant. Depending on the location, the cost of the pipeline and associated infrastructure may be greater than the cost of the desalination plant itself. Whilst several locations outside the Spencer Gulf were considered during the site selection process, locations outside of the Spencer Gulf resulted in the project being significantly more expensive and wouldn’t have been a sustainable or efficient use of resources. An environmental assessment process is currently being conducted to ensure that the plant can be constructed and operated safely with minimal environmental impacts.

During the planning and assessment phase, a range of activities will be undertaken to comprehensively understand expected project impacts, opportunities, costs and benefits.

Activities will include:

  • Evaluation of the environmental, social and economic impact of the project via an environmental impact statement.
  • Undertaking a formal tender process for a preferred contractor to design, build, operate and maintain the plant and pipeline.
  • Progression of project approvals including native title, development approval and other land access agreements for the plant and pipeline.
  • Ongoing engagement with stakeholders and the community to ensure risks and opportunities are properly understood and addressed.
  • Other activities required to provide the government with a clear understanding of the risks and opportunities associated with the project.

The development assessment process is one of many required approvals the project needs before it can commence.

The project will be subject to an assessment process under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act, 2016. Whilst yet to be determined, it is expected that the highest level of development assessment will apply, requiring the preparation of an environmental impact statement (EIS). Regardless of its assessment pathway, the decision to approve (or refuse) the development resides with the Minister for Planning.

To find out more view the Environmental Assessment Process

As part of the development assessment process, the project will be subject to an environmental impact assessment process, most likely (although not yet confirmed) in the form of an environmental impact statement (EIS). The environmental impact assessment will be subject to significant technical investigations, research and community engagement that will include an assessment of the potential environmental, social, economic impacts of constructing and operating the desalination plant and transfer pipeline.

To find out more about the process visit Environmental Assessment Process.

Subject to a final decision on the project, the earliest water may be available would be in 2028.