Western Australia is no stranger to the challenges of securing reliable water supplies. With declining rainfall and growing population demands in recent years, traditional groundwater and dam systems can no longer meet long-term needs. To address this, the Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant (ASDP) is being built in Alkimos, Perth’s northern corridor, as a landmark water infrastructure project.
This state-of-the-art facility will provide climate-resilient water strategy, ensuring that millions of Western Australians have access to safe, secure drinking water for decades to come.
Project Overview
The Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant is located within the Alkimos Water Precinct, adjacent to the existing wastewater treatment plant. Its integration with Perth’s water network is made possible through a 33.5-kilometer underground pipeline linking Alkimos to Wanneroo, where it connects seamlessly with the Integrated Water Supply Scheme.
The project is being delivered by the Alkimos Sea Water Alliance (ASWA), a partnership between Water Corporation, ACCIONA, and Jacobs Group Australia. This alliance model brings together global experience in water infrastructure and operations with local expertise, ensuring both innovation and community engagement.
With an overall investment program valued at $2.8 billion AUD Alkimos represents one of the most significant water infrastructure commitments in Western Australian history. Construction officially began in mid-2024. The facility is scheduled to begin producing drinking water by 2028.
Key Features of the Plant
The first stage of the Alkimos plant will deliver 150,000 cubic meters of drinking water per day, equivalent to 50 billion liters annually. A planned second stage will double this capacity to 300,000 cubic meters daily, or 100 billion liters annually, making Alkimos one of the largest desalination facilities in the Southern Hemisphere.
Beyond scale, sustainability is at the heart of the project. Both construction and operations are designed to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. Energy-efficient systems and integration with renewable power sources will set new benchmarks for environmentally responsible desalination.
To protect the surrounding environment, the site design incorporates vegetated sand dunes and retaining walls. These features not only shield the facility from coastal impacts but also blend it into the natural landscape, creating visual and noise buffers for nearby communities.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
The Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant will significantly reduce Perth’s reliance on groundwater by 30 billion liters annually. This reduction will help preserve fragile ecosystems, including wetlands, public parks, forests, and open green spaces across the metropolitan region.
On the economic front, the project is expected to deliver substantial local benefits. ACCIONA has committed to generating over 1,300 jobs, including at least 155 apprenticeships and traineeships, ensuring skills development and long-term workforce growth. Early site works, delivered under a $29.8 million contract with Georgiou Group, are already creating opportunities for subcontractors and Aboriginal businesses, with around 70 local jobs supported during this stage alone.
The entire investment is underpinned by the Western Australian Government’s strong fiscal position. By leveraging the Budget surplus, the state has been able to fund a project that secures critical infrastructure without compromising other priorities.
A Third Desalination Milestone for WA
When completed, Alkimos will be the third major seawater desalination plant in Western Australia, following the success of the Perth Seawater Desalination Plant in Kwinana and the Southern Seawater Desalination Plant near Binningup. Together, these facilities will provide a diversified and climate-resilient portfolio of water sources for more than 2.5 million people.
Environmental approval has been secured from both Commonwealth and State regulators, as well as an independent Development Assessment Panel, affirming that the project meets high standards for ecological stewardship and community impact.
Looking Ahead
By 2028, Stage 1 of the Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant will be delivering its first 50 billion liters of safe drinking water annually to Perth’s homes, schools, and businesses. Once Stage 2 is realized, the plant will double its capacity, safeguarding water security well into the future.
For civil engineers, this project represents more than just an impressive piece of infrastructure. It demonstrates how engineering, environmental sustainability, and community-focused design can converge to solve one of the most pressing challenges of our time: providing reliable, sustainable water in a changing climate.
The Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant is not only a technical achievement—it is a vital investment in resilience, sustainability, and the prosperity of Western Australia.
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