The South Australian Government has announced it has approved the construction of a new desalination plant for the township of Hawker.

State Water Minister, Ian Hunter, said that the construction of the new plant is the answer to the difficult question of how best to deliver water to the remote community.

“SA Water has held extensive discussions with the Flinders Ranges Council about options forimproving water quality to the township.

“While the current water quality supplied to Hawker complies with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (2011) health criteria, the Flinders Ranges Council and the local community regard it as too saline for drinking purposes.

“After significant research, SA Water has determined the most appropriate solution a reverse osmosis desalination plant.

“The proposed new plant will desalinate the existing groundwater supplied to customers and fits within the $8 million allocated on the SA Water capital plan,” Minister Hunter said.

Tenders are now being called for the construction of the project which is due to commence later this year.

“It is intended that the new desalination plant will be operational in the latter half of 2014,” Mr Hunter said.