The new head of economic development in the Peel has warned that water supply will be one of the region's biggest challenges.
David Doepel was this week appointed chairperson of the Peel Development Commission, replacing Paddi Creevey.
In an interview with the Mail, Mr Doepel said with the region's growing focus on agribusiness, more demand from industry and a growing population, the state needed a plan to ensure the Peel had enough water going into the future.
His words echoed those of Water Minister Dave Kelly reminding Perth and Peel residents of the effects of climate change after low rainfalls recorded in June.
"While you may not think it given the recent rains, last month was actually one of the driest on record in the metro area with close to half the average rainfall," Mr Kelly said.
"Unfortunately, this was not a one-off and climate change directly impacts how we source and use water."
Peel a part of the solution
Mr Doepel said as well as climate change, the Peel was already seeing a change in flows, run-offs and rainfall patterns.
"This affects the salinity of Wellington Dam which then affects the whole Harvey catchment which then affects the lower half of the Peel," he said. "On top of that we are seeing significant increase in industrial needs and population expansion."
He didn't rule out a desalination plant for the Peel region but said decisions would be made by various government agencies.
"This is not something we're going to run out of immediately but these things take many years to plan and get right," he said.
"There's been a fair bit of government work over the years looking at this but climate is dynamic and industry is dynamic. Just because modelling was done some years ago, doesn't mean it's accurate now.
"We've identified as best as we can that water will be a constraint into the future so we want to be part of the state's solution for accurately scoping the challenge and then working constructively in a supportive role with the agencies that will take the lead.
"We need to get on top of water in our region and understand it..."
Nearly half from desalination plants
In the face of climate change, Perth can no longer rely on rainfall alone to fill its dams, according to Mr Kelly.
In 2019-20, 47 per cent of water supplied to Perth and Peel homes and businesses came from desalinated seawater.
In what is typically the second wettest month, Perth and Peel dams received less than five per cent of the long-term average rainfall run-off expected for the month of June.
"Less rainfall into our dams and groundwater sources means we are increasingly reliant on manufactured water - desalinated and recycled water - which comes at a cost," Mr Kelly said.
Since 2001, the WA government has invested more than $2.2 billion in climate-resilient water resources which now account for nearly half of all water supplied through the Integrated Water Supply Scheme. (IWSS)
Mr Kelly added that everyone played a part in reducing water consumption.
"We all need to actively consider ways to reduce our water consumption all-year-round and help protect our various water sources."