Essential Water is proposing a significant upgrade to the Broken Hill Wastewater Treatment Plant to ensure reliable, environmentally compliant wastewater services for the community. 

Background to the project 

Broken Hill is serviced by two Treatment Plants (STPs), the Wills Street STP and the South STP. Both plants provide primary and secondary treatment for domestic and commercial effluent.  The Wills Street STP was built in 1939 and is currently owned and operated by Essential Water. 

Despite receiving upgrades in the past (1956 and 1980), the Wills Street STP is now nearly 100 years old and no longer meets modern environmental standards. Maintaining the current infrastructure would require a substantial operational investment and poses a significant risk of plant failure and disruption of water services to the Broken Hill area.  

What’s being proposed 

Essential Water is planning to construct a new wastewater treatment plant adjacent to the existing Wills Street STP.  The proposed facility would meet modern environmental and EPA licence requirements. The new facility would also greatly improve the reliability and efficiency of the treatment process, reducing long-term operating costs and allowing Essential Water to provide a better service to the community. 

Additionally, the plant will also support a greater use of recycled water for parks, gardens and commercial applications.  

Timeline and next steps 

• Construction is proposed to begin in early 2026, with completion targeted for 2028 

• The project is included in Essential Water’s 2026–2031 regulatory submission to IPART 

• Funding and final approvals are still pending 

Essential Water is committed to keeping the community informed as the project progresses. Updates will be shared here as more details become available.