Djarindjin–Lombadina Water Treatment Plant Upgrade: Sustainable Infrastructure for Healthy Country
The Djarindjin and Lombadina communities on Western Australia’s Dampier Peninsula have long faced challenges in accessing safe, reliable drinking water. Previously reliant on a diesel-powered system, both communities will benefit from a planned upgrade that combines essential infrastructure with cultural respect, community development, and environmental responsibility.
As the first pilot of the IS Essentials rating on a remote water asset, the Djarindjin–Lombadina Water Treatment Plant Upgrade has demonstrated that sustainability is achievable at any scale. Led by Water Corporation WA, this project demonstrates how small-scale regional infrastructure can deliver lasting outcomes for people and Country.
Project at a Glance
- Name: Djarindjin–Lombadina Water Treatment Upgrade
- Owner: Water Corporation WA
- Delivery Partners: GHD (Design), Kimberley Regional Service Providers (Operations)
- Scope: 3 new bores, raw water transfer main, solar-powered water treatment plant, 1.26 ML storage tank and gravity main to existing town infrastructure
- Timeline: Start 2022, est. completion 2026
- IS Rating: IS Essentials Design – Bronze
- Population Served: ≈ 390 residents
Why an IS Essential Rating Was Pursued
Water Corporation chose the IS Essentials Design & As Built pathway to:
- Drive and be able to quantify sustainability benefits often overlooked in smaller remote projects.
- Build in-house capability for delivery of IS Ratings using a hybrid delivery model: Water Corporation led delivery of the governance, economic and legacy IS Rating credits while GHD focused on the water use, resource efficiency and energy credits.
- Contribute feedback to help refine and shape the final version of the IS Essentials Rating Scheme from a water industry perspective
To view the full case study, click here.