The Western Australian Government has announced it will invest a further $47 million to upgrade the East Pilbare Supply Scheme, improving the water supply capacity of Port Hedland, South Hedland and Wedgefield.

State Water Minister, Terry Redman, said the upgrade was sorely needed for the fast-growing Pilbara area.

“These projects will ensure more water is supplied to meet demand for residential, business and industrial customers in Port Hedland, South Hedland and Wedgefield as the region continues to experience a high rate of growth,” he said. 

“Over 25 km of mains will be replaced between South Hedland and the Yule Borefield to increase the amount of water that can be transferred into town.”

A second stage of the project will see the installation of three new bores and associated pipeworks at the Yule Borefield.  

Work on the transfer main between the Yule Borefield and South Hedland began earlier this month with upgrades to the borefield expected to be complete by mid-2014.