A supply of drinking water is now available in the Fitzroy Valley community of Kadjina following the completion of $1.9 million water infrastructure upgrades, lifting a long-standing water quality advisory.
The WA Government says the area's residents can now safely drink tap water and use it for food preparation for the first time since 2017, ending the community's reliance on bottled water supplies.
It comes after the WA Department of Health removed its advisory on water consumption for the area following the successful commissioning of a new water treatment plant which meets the required consistent water quality.
Kimberley MLA, Divina D'Anna, said the project will make a significant difference to the standard of living for the Kadjina community.
"Having access to safe drinking water directly from the tap will make a real difference to everyday life for Kadjina residents, removing the need for bottled water supplies," Ms D'Anna said.
"I acknowledge the patience and leadership of the Kadjina community throughout this project and welcome the Cook Labor Government's continued investment in improving essential services across the Kimberley."
Located on Walmajarri lands — approximately 100km southwest of Fitzroy Crossing — Kadjina has experienced water quality issues due to elevated levels of naturally occurring iron and manganese in the local groundwater supply.
The Government said the minerals affected water clarity and reduced the effectiveness of treatment processes, requiring the community to boil their water.
The Kadjina water treatment plant's oxidation filtration system. (Image: Water Corporation)
Delivered under a $1.9 million Department of Housing and Works project, the new water treatment plant features advanced filtration technology to remove the iron and manganese and an automatic disinfection system, among other infrastructure upgrades.
Following an eight-month proving period, the lifting of the advisory was managed by Water Corporation's Aboriginal Communities Water Services (ACWS) program, under the WA Government's long-term commitment to improving essential services in Aboriginal communities.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Don Punch, said the project is one of numerous projects improving water quality in Indigenous communities across Western Australia.
"This $1.9 million investment in modern, reliable water infrastructure at Kadjina addresses a water quality issue commonly seen around regional WA, where naturally occurring minerals leach into the local groundwater," he said.
"The Aboriginal Communities Water Services program is making a positive difference to Aboriginal communities across the State, contributing to enhanced long-term health, wellbeing and liveability outcomes."
Kadjina is the second community to have a long-standing water quality advisory lifted since the ACWS program commenced in 2023, following the Gibson Desert community of Kiwirrkurra earlier this year.
The WA Government said so far, the ACWS program has invested more than $82 million in water service upgrades and completed detailed infrastructure condition assessments in 123 communities to inform future investment and planning.
Minister for Water, Daniel Pastorelli, said the Government is delivering more than $82 million in water infrastructure upgrades in remote communities across Western Australia.
"While drinking tap water is something most of us take for granted, Kadjina's new water treatment plant means residents can have confidence in the quality of their drinking water supply," Mr Pastorelli said.
"The lifting of this long-standing advisory is testament to our commitment to improving water services in Aboriginal communities."
