New water for Gnowangerup shire as groundwater supplies begin to dry up

Existing groundwater sources are increasingly under pressure and fast becoming scarce in towns like Gnowangerup from reduced rainfall and climate change.

Groundwater sources supply about 90 per cent of drinkable water to Great Southern Towns such as Kendenup and Gnowangerup.

The two shires of Gnowangerup and Williams will receive $66,642 in funding for the Community Water Supplies Partnership Program.

Funding will go towards a solar pump and 250-kilolitre tank installed at the Stutley Community agricultural area dam, to service water supply for farm needs, emergency and firefighting.

The move was introduced by Minister for Water Simon McGurk who plans for the community to be flexible in their reliability on the water source.

“Despite a wet winter last year, we know existing drinking water sources in the region are under increasing pressure as demand grows and long-term rainfall declines,” she said.

“New water sources take time to plan and deliver in a responsible way.”

The scheme is also supported by Rebecca Stephens MLA who sees the flaws in relying on a single source for all water needs.

“Rainfall alone isn’t sufficient to meet the drinking water needs of local communities, which means we must look to alternate sources,” Ms Stephens said.

Community feedback and involvement opportunities are available online at watercorporation.com.au.