A reliable water supply is essential for mining, construction, and infrastructure projects across Western Australia’s remote regions. Yet these environments face unique challenges: water scarcity, high evaporation, and strict environmental standards.
Sustainable water solutions are vital for compliance and long-term efficiency. Staying in the loop with the latest advances ensures resilient systems that support both operations and community wellbeing.
Why Water Sustainability Matters in Remote and Harsh Environments
Mining in Australia uses about 2% of the nation’s water, mostly in WA’s arid regions. Sustainable water solutions secure supply, cut costs, and protect fragile ecosystems.
Limited Natural Resources
Remote WA mining and construction sites rely heavily on groundwater, which supplies about 70% of the state’s water. Recharge rates have dropped to an 800-year low, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions to protect fragile reserves and secure long-term supply.
Climate Extremes and Drought Risks
The Pilbara faces extreme heat, with summer highs above 32 °C and peaks over 45 °C. Annual evaporation exceeds 3,000 mm, while rainfall averages just 200–300 mm, making effective storage and protection of every drop essential.
Environmental Regulations in WA
Western Australia enforces strict water licensing and environmental compliance rules. Companies must demonstrate responsible water use, protect surrounding ecosystems, and minimise waste. Sustainable infrastructure ensures compliance and avoids penalties while aligning with growing community expectations.
Long-Term Operational Costs
Short-term water solutions may appear cheaper but often bring higher maintenance, inefficiency, and energy costs. A sustainable water system reduces operational risks, improves reliability, and lowers lifetime expenses, critical for projects running on tight margins.
Challenges in Providing Water to Remote Locations
Logistics
Supplying water to remote WA projects brings major logistical and cost challenges. Transporting water over long distances drives up fuel use, increases emissions, and raises road safety risks. On-site solutions reduce transport needs, improve resilience, and strengthen self-sufficiency.
Contamination
Remote water sources often contain dust, heavy metals, or high salinity. Without proper treatment, these contaminants can damage equipment and create health risks for workers. Advanced purification and filtration systems safeguard operations and ensure a reliable, safe water supply.
Reliability
Harsh WA conditions test infrastructure relentlessly. Pipelines, tanks, and pumps face heat, cyclones, and corrosive soils. Durable designs and strong materials keep systems functional for decades. Preventive maintenance and monitoring reduce downtime and keep operations running smoothly.
Proven Sustainable Water Solutions
Sustainable water solutions have been central to remote water infrastructure since the early days of the mining industry. These are some of the tried and tested methods to maintain a reliable and sustainable supply:
Off-Grid Water Systems
Many sites lack grid access, making off-grid solutions essential. Solar-powered pumps and bore water treatment units provide a reliable supply with minimal emissions. These systems reduce diesel reliance while ensuring water security.
Water Recycling and Reuse
Greywater systems and mining water recycling processes drastically cut consumption. Recycling reduces discharge volumes, lowers treatment costs, and ensures compliance with environmental regulations.
Desalination for Coastal Sites
For coastal projects, desalination delivers a steady water supply from seawater. Small-scale modular units suit remote camps, while industrial systems support large mining operations. Coupled with renewable power, desalination becomes an environmentally responsible choice.
Rainwater Harvesting and Storage
Rainwater systems remain viable even in high-evaporation regions. Properly designed storage with covers, shading, and evaporation suppression extends usability. Integrating rainwater with other sources adds redundancy.
Advanced Filtration and Purification
Reverse osmosis (RO) and ultraviolet (UV) sterilisation provide safe drinking water from challenging sources. These systems remove contaminants, protect workers, and ensure compliance with workplace safety standards.
Case Study: Silverstone Water Solution in Remote WA Site
A major Pilbara mining company required sustainable water and energy infrastructure to support operations in a remote, high-risk environment.
Challenges
The Pilbara’s harsh conditions required durable infrastructure and precise execution. The project demanded extensive surveying, mechanical, civil, piping, and electrical works, while high-risk site operations called for seamless integration with major EPCM contractors to ensure safety and efficiency.
Solutions
✔️ Conducted full site survey including set-out, control, and as-built reporting.
✔️ Cleared and prepared 30 km of land with crossings, earth mounds, and topsoil management.
✔️ Installed, tested, and commissioned 32 km of HDPE spur pipes with fittings for six new bores.
✔️ Delivered six dewatering packages, three transfer pump stations, and electric transfer systems.
✔️ Supplied and installed pipe supports, concrete blocks, and 31 generators.
✔️ Completed three HDD directional drill shots plus electrical and mechanical systems.
✔️ Provided ongoing support with preventative maintenance scheduling.
Results
Silverstone deployed more than 45 personnel to complete the project safely, on time, and within the $10 million budget. The infrastructure improved efficiency, reduced operational risks, and met strict health, safety, and environmental compliance requirements.
How Silverstone Supports Your Project’s Water Needs
Silverstone delivers end-to-end water solutions for WA’s toughest environments. With 60+ years of expertise, we design, build, and maintain reliable systems, deploying people, equipment, and support to keep mining operations running with minimal disruption.
Maintenance and Support
We provide 24/7 maintenance services that keep water infrastructure reliable and compliant. Our teams combine skilled people, tooling expertise, and replacement parts to minimise downtime and keep assets running safely and efficiently.
Skilled Workforce Deployment
We maintain a strong presence across WA’s mining regions and deploy expertise wherever projects demand it. With a 73,000-strong workforce database, we quickly supply qualified personnel to meet site requirements and ensure continuity.
What We Deliver in Water Works
- Surveying: We deliver accurate set-out, control, and as-built reporting with advanced tools.
- Mine Dewatering: We design and install efficient dewatering packages for performance and compliance.
- Potable Water Systems: We build safe, sustainable water supply solutions for remote workforces and camps.
- Site Water Management: We implement integrated strategies for storage, treatment, distribution, and reuse.
Discover more about our sustainable water projects.
Partnering for Long-Term Water Reliability
Harsh and remote regions demand water systems that perform under pressure. Western Australia’s mining and construction projects require sustainable, reliable, and compliant infrastructure.
Silverstone delivers sustainable water solutions that protect assets, support communities, and reduce long-term costs. Call +61 8 6365 5416 or email info@sstone.com.au to partner with the water infrastructure contractors that understand WA’s toughest conditions.