New remote drinking water supplies

We have upgraded the existing non-drinking water supplies to the remote towns Oodnadatta and Marla to drinking water quality, with Marree due for completion in Q3 of 2025.

The pre-existing water networks in these towns were among 19 non-drinking water systems across the state, where water was only provided for irrigation, livestock, laundry, bathing and flushing toilets. Residents in these locations sourced their own drinking water through other methods such as capturing rainwater or arranging deliveries from commercial water carters.

The new reverse osmosis desalination facilities installed in the three towns treat groundwater to a drinking standard.

While each new water treatment plant receives raw water from the Great Artesian Basin, the source water quality at each location is different and each facility has been designed and built to reflect the location’s unique conditions.

The three new facilities join our existing network of nine reverse osmosis desalination plants across regional and remote South Australia that turn groundwater into a reliable supply of safe, clean drinking water for the local community.