Water supplies on the Pilbara coast are under increasing pressure from reduced rainfall and growing demand. The State Government is working with communities, Traditional Owners, Water Corporation and industry to secure reliable, climate-resilient water supplies that support the Pilbara’s population and economic growth.
Groundwater and surface water are currently the primary sources of drinking water for towns along the Pilbara coast. By 2050, demand is projected to increase significantly, with an additional 10 billion litres of drinking water required each year.
At the same time, strategic industrial areas across the Pilbara will require substantial volumes of water to support economic development and decarbonisation objectives. Existing local water sources, including aquifers and surface water, are not expected to meet this long-term demand.
Water availability in the Pilbara is closely linked to cyclonic rainfall, which plays a critical role in recharging aquifers and dams. Climate projections indicate that cyclones may become less frequent, potentially reducing recharge and limiting the reliability of rainfall-dependent water sources.
To address these challenges, climate-independent water sources, such as seawater desalination, will be required to support long-term water security and enable future growth in both towns and industry.
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