Installing a new water storage tank at Plant 4
Posted: 17 October 2024
Busselton Water’s Plant 4 supplies treated water to the local area and westward to Dunsborough. Population growth and associated land development in the region has led to an increase in Busselton Water’s water supply requirements – and the existing Plant 4 storage tank is not sufficient to meet future forecasted peak supply demands.
With growth comes the need to consider how best to expand and manage our network of bores, plants and pipelines to service a larger community.
This project will involve the installation of a second 4.5 megalitre water storage tank at Plant 4, located on Bussell Highway in Broadwater, doubling the water storage capacity to 9 megalitres – enough water to fill an Olympic swimming pool three and a half times!
The new storage tank will have the same dimensions as the existing tank and be installed next to the existing storage tank.
The additional storage tank will be an integral part of Busselton Water’s operation throughout its asset life, adding capacity to our water network and minimising the risk of customer supply disruption.
Project FAQs
What is Plant 4 and where is it located?
Located at 381 Bussell Highway, Broadwater, Busselton Water’s Plant 4 supplies treated water to the local area and westward to Dunsborough via a pump station, fed from a single 4.5 megalitre storage tank.
Why is this project needed?
Population growth and associated land development in the region has led to an increase in Busselton Water’s water supply requirements – and the existing Plant 4 storage tank is not sufficient to meet future forecasted peak supply demands.
What will the project involve?
This project will involve the installation of a second 4.5 megalitre water storage tank at Plant 4, doubling the water storage capacity to 9 megalitres – enough water to fill an Olympic swimming pool three and a half times!
The new storage tank will have the same dimensions as the existing tank and be installed next to the existing storage tank.
What are the benefits of this project?
This project is an important part of ensuring future water supply demands can be met as the South West’s population continues to grow.
The increased water storage capacity will reduce the risk of customer supply disruption. It will also reduce supply risks to the Dunsborough Bulk Water Pipeline and obligations under the Dunsborough Bulk Water Agreement.
It will allow more efficient operations throughout the year, operating bores and transfer pumps at nonpeak times of the day and year.
The new storage tank will also improve network reliability by allowing outages for essential maintenance on the other storage tank at Plant 4 and storage tanks at Plant 2.
Has Busselton Water considered any environmental and heritage impacts?
Busselton Water has worked with expert consultants to ensure that appropriate flora, fauna and environmental surveys were undertaken, and that an environmental management plan is in place and adhered to throughout construction.
When will the project start and finish?
Construction commenced in October 2024 and is currently scheduled for completion by the end of July 2025.
Site work hours and access
Tank Contractor on-site working hours are currently 7am and 6pm on weekdays, 8am to 5pm on Saturdays and 9am to 6pm on Sundays. Works are scheduled from January to July 2025.
Piping Contractor on-site working hours are 7am and 5.30pm on weekdays. Works are scheduled from May to July 2025.
All work will occur on Busselton Water’s Plant 4 site – with equipment and material deliveries via the main site access off Bussell Highway.
Impact management
Standard construction noise can be expected throughout the works, which will be managed in accordance with the City of Busselton regulations and our Construction Safety and Management Plans.
Busselton Water will be installing sound dampening fencing along the northern property boundary.
Busselton Water has continuous sound monitoring set up at the norther property boundary to ensure regulatory compliance.
Busselton Water is committed to delivering a successful project for the benefit of the community and will continue to update this information as the project progresses.
Should you have questions at any point please don’t hesitate to contact our Project Manager Conor Gill via email at [email protected].
