The first early stage works of the Waterproofing the West project have started with the $58.6 million Stage One project commencing in Adelaide with funding from local, state and Federal governments.

 

The Stage One phase of the project, led by the City of Charles Sturt,  will be aimed at securing and diversifying water supplies through upgrading stormwater harvesting.

 

"I commend the City of Charles Sturt's leadership in reducing its dependence on traditional mains water and groundwater supplies, which will contribute to the sustainability of our vital water supplies," South Australia Minister for Water Paul Caica said.

 

"Stormwater harvesting and reuse projects like this help to ease the pressure on drinking water supplies and deliver improved water quality to our urban waterways,” said the Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water Senator Don Farrell.

 

The early works, which include the undergrounding of some existing ETSA overhead powerlines and new street lighting, will make way for a 1.8 kilometre wetland and Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) system.

 

The wetland and ASR system will provide a valuable water resource that can be used for industry supply and irrigation of new housing developments, reserves and the local golf course.

 

It will also provide flood mitigation for Old Port Road and enhance the environment through natural vegetation and a habitat for wildlife.

 

The project is supported by $20 million in Australian Government funding through its Water for the Future initiative and more than $15 million from the Government of South Australia, with the remainder provided by the City of Charles Sturt and other partners.