Clean drinking water restored to WA’s most remote Aboriginal community

Major upgrades to Kiwirrkurra’s water treatment plant and pipe network have been completed, supporting a consistent supply of drinking water.

Since September 2020, the community – located near the WA-NT border near Ngaanyatjarra lands, around 700km west of Alice Springs – has been provided free bottled water due to elevated levels of naturally occurring fluoride and nitrate in the local groundwater source.

Key points

• Clean drinking water has been restored to Western Australia’s most remote Aboriginal community
  $6.5 million has been invested in upgrades to the water treatment plant to support a consistent, quality supply
• The upgrades form part of the Government’s long-term program to deliver safer and more reliable water services in Aboriginal communities
• Clean drinking water has been restored to Western Australia’s most remote Aboriginal community, as part of the Government’s long-term commitment to lift the standard of water services in Aboriginal communities.

The $6.5 million project was completed by Water Corporation through its Aboriginal Communities Water Services (ACWS) program, with part of the work delivered by Aboriginal-owned contractor Pilbara Meta Maya.

Following a nine-month proving period, Kiwirrkurra is the first community to have a Department of Health water quality advisory lifted since Water Corporation assumed responsibility for water services in Aboriginal communities in 2023.

“Last year, I met with the Kiwirrkurra community and heard directly their request for clean, safe drinking water that residents can rely upon,” Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch said.

“With the major upgrades to the water treatment plant and pipe network now complete, Kiwirrkurra has a more reliable supply of drinking water that meets Department of Health requirements.

Investing in further upgrades

“I acknowledge the patience and leadership of the Kiwirrkurra community, and I thank the local Aboriginal-owned contractor Pilbara Meta Maya for their work in assisting Water Corporation to deliver this important outcome.

“We will continue to support the community’s transition back to drinking tap water, and we will invest in further upgrades to strengthen the long-term security of the water supply.”

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch said Kiwirrkurra now has a more reliable supply of drinking water.

Water Corporation will support the Kiwirrkurra community to transition back to drinking tap water and will deliver additional pipe renewals and borefield upgrades to further strengthen the long-term water supply.

Under the ACWS program, major upgrades to water services in 17 communities have been completed. In addition, eight town-based communities have received initial water network upgrades, including new hydrants, valves, flushing points, water meters and new water services.

Better health outcomes

To help scope and plan more significant, longer-term upgrades, 133 communities have been engaged, with detailed infrastructure condition assessments completed in 88 communities.

Kimberely MLA Divina D’Anna said this was an important milestone for Kiwirrkurra, with residents now able to access clean drinking water through the completion of these upgrades.

“I welcome the Government’s investment, which will support better health outcomes and improved environmental performance for the community over the long term,” she said.