SYDNEY, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- With severe drought conditions impacting much of Australia's east coast, the Sydney Desalination Plant is likely to dramatically ramp up its output capacity.
New South Wales Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said in a statement on Sunday that the state is currently in the midst of "one of the worst droughts in living memory," leaving the Harbour city's water supply under immense pressure.
"Sydney storages have dropped from around 90 percent to 50 percent capacity in approximately two years, with Sydney's dam levels currently at 50.3 percent."
"The Sydney Desalination Plant reached full production at the end of July, two months ahead of schedule."
"The plant is now producing an average of 250 million litres a day, approximately 15 percent of Sydney's supply."
Constructed in 2010, the billion-dollar facility at Kurnell is able to turn saltwater into drinking water.
Although it ran continuously from 2010 to 2012, it remained inoperational and unneeded until it was switched on during January this year.
Now pumping out water at its maximum capacity, local media have reported that a government study is now underway to examine the possibility of doubling the plant's output around 500 million litres per day.
"As Sydney grows, it is critical that we continue to ensure that our water security continues to grow as well," Pavey said.
"By undertaking this planning work, should the drought worsen and water levels continue to drop, we will be ready to act immediately to increasing water supply."
