The project is jointly funded by the Australian Government ($2,000,000) and South Australian Government ($300,000). Australian Government funding is provided through the National Water Grid Fund.
The alternative water supply will provide water for the town of Elliston and, potentially, surrounding communities.
Project overview
The town of Elliston, located on the Eyre Peninsula, completely depends on the Bramfield groundwater resource for its water supply. This resource is diminishing in size due to the impacts of climate change.
This project will research and investigate the long-term viability of the Bramfield groundwater resource. It will determine the longevity of the groundwater resource in a drying climate and the need for a climate-resilient water supply. This will help inform the type of infrastructure required, which may include:
- small-scale desalination if groundwater can no longer be used
- a combination of groundwater extraction, if possible
- water carting from Polda, approximately 50 km away.
The alternative water supply will provide water for the town of Elliston and, potentially, surrounding communities.
This work is crucial as Elliston is not part of the South Australia regional water distribution network, which means, unless alternatives are identified, there is a risk that the town will run out of the water that it is currently receiving from the groundwater resource.
Supporting the town’s water needs is crucial for improving the town’s liveability, which will in turn boost its economy. Alternative sources will also take the pressure off the Bramfield groundwater resource which is under strain.
A secondary benefit from the project includes ensuring wetland and Red/Blue Gum ecosystems dependent on the groundwater in the region are not impacted by ongoing extractions for water supply purposes.
The South Australian Department of Environment and Water is also contributing $520,000 through in-kind contributions*.
*In-kind contributions are contributions of goods and services and do not contribute to the total project cost.