Laramba Water Treatment Plant officially opened

28 April 2023

Water quality in a Central Australian community has improved following the installation of a water treatment plant.

The Laramba Water Treatment Plant was officially opened on the 26 April 2023, with the ceremonial ribbon cut by Minister for Essential Services Selena Uibo and and Central Desert Regional Council President Adrian Dixon.

This project is funded by the Territory Labor Government’s $28 million commitment to address critical water supply infrastructure needs in remote Aboriginal communities that are experiencing water quality and security stress. Of that, $6.8 million was committed to water quality improvement in Laramba.

With a capacity of 360 kilolitres per day, the plant uses proven ion-exchange technology to treat the drinking water and reduce naturally occurring uranium to well below Australian Drinking Water Guideline (ADWG) Levels. The ADWG level for uranium is 0.02 milligram per litre (mg/L).

At Laramba, naturally occurring levels of uranium in the water levels historically range between 0.029 mg/L – 0.055 mg/L. Testing of the treated water through the Laramba plant indicates that uranium levels after treatment are almost undetectable at < 0.001 mg/L.

Quotes attributable to Chief Minister Natasha Fyles:

“The project is part of the Territory Labor Government's $28 million program to improve water quality and supply infrastructure to remote communities with the highest need. 

“We are committed to improving living conditions for remote Territorians, and this includes ensuring a reliable and safe supply of drinking water in Aboriginal communities.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Essential Services Selena Uibo:

“Having access to reliable drinking water in remote communities is a priority of the Territory Labor Government and that’s why we invested $6.8 million in this project.

“Power and Water Corporation operate across 1.3 million square kilometres in some of the most challenging and diverse conditions in Australia and I congratulate them upon the completion of this project.

“It’s exciting to be in Laramba to officially open the water treatment plant, which will benefit the local community for many years to come.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Gwoja, Chansey Paech:

“This project provides a treatment solution for naturally occurring uranium in the groundwater that supplies the Laramba community.

“We are also furthering work to improve water quality in neighbouring communities, including Yuelamu and Yuendumu.”

Media Contact – Leah McLennan - 0499 948 798

Northern Territory Government