Published on Friday, 8 May 2026 at 9:26:10 AM
The City is continuing to invest in upgrades and operational improvements at the South Boulder Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) to support long-term wastewater treatment performance.
As part of these ongoing works, the City will commence desludging activities on one of the plant’s primary treatment ponds from early May.
Desludging is a routine maintenance activity involving the removal of accumulated sludge from the treatment pond and is an important part of maintaining the performance and efficiency of wastewater treatment processes. These works are expected to take several weeks to complete, depending on site conditions.
Possible impacts
While works are underway, residents may notice occasional temporary odours, which can be expected when interputions occur to the recycled water treatment process. Any impacts are expected to be short term and localised to the duration of the works.
The City acknowledges the works may cause some inconvenience and appreciates the community’s patience while these important maintenance works are carried out.
The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder will continue to work closely with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) throughout the project to ensure all works are completed appropriately and in line with environmental requirements.
Other improvements at the South Boulder Waste Water Treatment Plant
The desludging program forms part of a broader series of improvements and investments at the South Boulder WWTP.
In February 2026, the City successfully commissioned new inlet works at the facility, replacing ageing infrastructure that had been in operation for approximately 20 years. The upgraded system includes two modern band screens that significantly improve the removal of inorganic solids and debris from incoming wastewater, helping improve overall treatment performance.
The City has also implemented targeted upgrades within the sewer network, including the installation of running traps in key locations to help reduce odour from escaping sewer gases.
Planning is also underway for two new process lagoons at the WWTP, with construction anticipated to begin in the 2026/27 financial year, pending budget adoption. These future works will increase treatment capacity and further improve the efficiency and stability of the treatment process.
Enquiries
For more information about these works visit Yoursay.ckb.wa.gov.au or contact the City’s Water Services team on 9021 9600 or email mailbag@ckb.wa.gov.au
South Boulder Wastewater Treatment Plant
The desludging program forms part of a broader series of improvements and investments at the South Boulder Wastewater Treatment Plant. To learn more about the City’s investment in upgrades at the facility, visit the Your Say CKB project page via the link below.
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