- New water treatment plant delivers consistent water quality in Kimberley community
- Part of long-term Cook Labor Government commitment to improving water services in Aboriginal communities
A safe, reliable supply of drinking water is now available in the Fitzroy Valley community of Kadjina following the completion of $1.9 million water infrastructure upgrades, lifting a long-standing water quality advisory.
Endorsed by the Department of Health, the advisory has been removed following the successful commissioning of a new water treatment plant, meeting the required consistent water quality. Residents can now safely drink tap water and use it for food preparation for the first time since 2017, ending the community’s reliance on bottled water supplies.
Located on Walmajarri lands, around 100km southwest of Fitzroy Crossing, Kadjina has experienced water quality issues due to elevated levels of naturally occurring iron and manganese in the local groundwater supply. These minerals affected water clarity and reduced the effectiveness of treatment processes, requiring the community to boil their water.
Delivered under a $1.9 million Department of Housing and Works project, the new water treatment plant features advanced filtration technology to remove the iron and manganese and an automatic disinfection system, among other infrastructure upgrades.
Following an eight-month proving period, the lifting of the advisory was managed by Water Corporation’s Aboriginal Communities Water Services (ACWS) program, under the Cook Labor Government’s long-term commitment to improving essential services in Aboriginal communities.
Kadjina is the second community to have a long-standing water quality advisory lifted since the ACWS program commenced in 2023, following the Gibson Desert community of Kiwirrkurra earlier this year.
So far, the ACWS program has invested more than $82 million in water service upgrades and completed detailed infrastructure condition assessments in 123 communities to inform future investment and planning.
Other recently completed works under ACWS include a $2.2 million package of works in Jigalong to restore ageing wastewater treatment ponds and reline operational brine ponds, delivering environmental and public health improvements for the East Pilbara community.
For more information on the Aboriginal Communities Water Services program, visit the Water Corporation website: www.watercorporation.com.au/ACWS
As stated by Water Minister Daniel Pastorelli:
“While drinking tap water is something most of us take for granted, Kadjina’s new water treatment plant means residents can have confidence in the quality of their drinking water supply.
“The lifting of this long-standing advisory is testament to our commitment to improving water services in Aboriginal communities.
“The Cook Labor Government is delivering more than $82 million in water infrastructure upgrades in remote communities across Western Australia.”
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch:
“This $1.9 million investment in modern, reliable water infrastructure at Kadjina addresses a water quality issue commonly seen around regional WA, where naturally occurring minerals leach into the local groundwater.
“The Aboriginal Communities Water Services program is making a positive difference to Aboriginal communities across the State, contributing to enhanced long-term health, wellbeing and liveability outcomes.”
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna:
“Having access to safe drinking water directly from the tap will make a real difference to everyday life for Kadjina residents, removing the need for bottled water supplies.
“I acknowledge the patience and leadership of the Kadjina community throughout this project and welcome the Cook Labor Government’s continued investment in improving essential services across the Kimberley.”
