Key Takeaways
- The state government has been trucking water to two of Western Australia’s wettest towns, Quinninup and Northcliffe, for the past 15 years at a cost of at least $4 million.
- The towns receive an average of 1 meter of rain per year, but their water schemes are exclusively supplied by contracted trucks bringing potable water from neighboring towns.
- Residents are calling for a long-term water solution, citing concerns over the cost and environmental impact of water carting.
- The government insists that water carting is the most practical solution for the small towns, but residents argue that it is "stupidity" to cart water into the wettest towns in the state.
- The towns’ water usage is forecast to double by 2060, and residents are desperate for a permanent fix to ensure their water security.
Introduction to the Issue
The state government has been trucking water to Quinninup and Northcliffe, two of Western Australia’s wettest towns, for the past 15 years. Despite receiving an average of 1 meter of rain per year, the towns’ water schemes are exclusively supplied by contracted trucks bringing potable water from neighboring towns of Pemberton or Manjimup, 50km away. This has resulted in a significant cost, with the government spending at least $4 million on water carting over the past 15 years.
The Practicality of Water Carting
The Cook government insists that water carting is the most practical solution for the small towns, with a combined population of about 450 people. A spokesperson for the government stated that "current demand and population forecasts for these towns remain modest, and there has been no change that would warrant moving away from carting as the most efficient supply method." However, residents are concerned about the cost and environmental impact of water carting, and are calling for a long-term solution to ensure their water security.
The History of Water Supply in the Towns
Both Quinninup and Northcliffe once had their own local sources of drinking water, but these were discontinued due to quality concerns. Quinninup’s Karri Lake was proclaimed a drinking water source in the early 2000s, but was reverted to a recreational dam in 2009 due to nearby residential septic systems. Similarly, Northcliffe’s town water was once drawn from a spring-fed dam on Michael Armstrong’s family farm, but this source was abandoned in 2010 due to contamination concerns.
The Need for a Long-Term Solution
Residents are desperate for a long-term water solution, citing concerns over the cost and environmental impact of water carting. Mary Williams, a resident of Quinninup, stated that "it must be costing them a fortune" to cart water into the town, and wondered how many more trucks would be needed in the future to keep up with demand. Michael Armstrong, a resident of Northcliffe, described the water carting as "stupidity," given that the town is the wettest in the state.
The Cost of Water Infrastructure
The cost of building infrastructure for towns like Northcliffe and Quinninup is significant, with estimates suggesting that a pipeline from Pemberton would cost around $61 million. WA Water Minister Don Punch stated that the cost of building infrastructure for these towns is "huge," making water carting a "viable option." However, residents argue that the cost of water carting over the long term would be better spent on a permanent fix, such as a pipeline or a new dam.
The Impact of Climate Change
The towns’ water usage is forecast to double by 2060, and residents are concerned about the impact of climate change on their water security. Previous state government modeling predicts that rainfall could decline by up to 25% by 2060 under a worst-case scenario, making it even more challenging to secure a reliable water supply. Manjimup Shire President Donelle Buegge stated that these communities need a long-term solution sooner rather than later, given the predicted decline in rainfall.
Conclusion
The issue of water carting in Quinninup and Northcliffe is a complex one, with both the government and residents having different opinions on the best solution. While the government insists that water carting is the most practical solution, residents are calling for a long-term fix to ensure their water security. As the towns’ water usage is forecast to double by 2060, it is essential that a permanent solution is found to ensure the sustainability of these communities.
