Senator the Hon Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water
Lucy Hood MP, South Australian Minister for Climate, Environment and Water
The Albanese and Malinauskas Governments are investing $6.2 million toward three new water science projects - including a nation-leading pilot - that will investigate new and innovative ways to better manage and deliver water for regional communities.
Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is a practical alternative to store water underground in aquifers, protected from evaporation. Climate change is impacting South Australia's water resources, with surface water especially vulnerable to its effects.
Projects supported include:
Loxton MAR
- In an Australian first, the $4.8 million aquifer storage and recovery - reverse osmosis facility will be established at Loxton Research Centre.
- The project will use reverse osmosis desalination to treat brackish groundwater. Surplus treated water can then be stored in an aquifer for future agriculture and irrigation use.
- Creating a groundwater strategic reserve to buffer against seasonal variability and drought and ease resource pressure on the River Murray.
- Findings from the successful use of MAR will be considered in other water scarce regions across the country.
Commissioning of the facility is expected to start mid-next year.
State-wide MAR
- The project will explore supplementing regional water supplies using MAR to boost water security in remote South Australian communities.
- Aims to identify suitable locations for MAR and assess options to capture and store stormwater underground, saving a vital resource.
Small to medium-scale desalination brine disposal
- Targeting groundwater resources suitable for desalination to help regional towns avoid future water shortages.
- Will determine associated brine disposal options in each location.
- Regulatory barriers, environmental impacts, cost effectiveness and long-term sustainability of this method will be assessed as part of the project.
Australian Government funding for these jointly delivered projects is provided through the National Water Grid Fund.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt
"The Albanese Government is partnering with the Malinauskas Government to ensure South Australians have access to the water we need in the future, for communities, the environment and local industry.
"Science underpins this work, providing the evidence to support decision-making.
"By investing in this research now, South Australian skill and knowledge will be at the forefront of Australia's efforts to improve water security and reliability."
Quotes attributable to South Australian Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, Lucy Hood
"The Malinauskas Government is pleased to be working alongside the National Water Grid to undertake these projects, including developing a national hub for innovation in sustainable water management in the Riverland.
"It is vital we invest in research to help us better understand our state's water resources and improve them with the right infrastructure in response to climate change.
"Incorporating new and alternative measures will ensure our regional and remote communities have access to stable, climate-resilient water sources into the future."
