The Western Australian Government has praised the work of the local catchment authority in significantly reducing the salinity levels of the Denmark River.

 

State Water Minister said that the work done by a number of State and local authorities had repaired much of the water system after decades of high salinity.

 

“Recent monitoring data found average annual salinity levels had dropped to 470mg/L, making these levels in the Denmark River below World Health Organization guidelines for drinking water for the first time in nearly 40 years,” Mr Marmion said.

 

The improved water quality means Denmark Dam has been returned as a drinking water source, supporting Quickup Dam as a back-up water supply for Denmark and its neighbours.


The drop in salinity is mainly attributed to the revegetation of cleared farmland with blue gum plantations.

 

“This excellent outcome demonstrates Denmark’s commitment to improving the water quality of its river,” the Minister said.