EM3A
Project brief 01 / Water infrastructureReviewed

Northern Water

Mullaquana, South Australia · Proposed desalination plant & transfer network

An illustrative brief by EM3A, based on public sources.

Our assessment

Investigate the supplier route.

Pumping and power infrastructure make this a relevant project to explore for pump and electrical suppliers.

Two consortia are shortlisted for the main contract. Detailed design follows contract award; construction remains subject to approvals and agreements. [2] [3]

Desalination output
51 GL/year
Trunk pipeline
~360 km
Branch pipeline
~46 km

Proposed reference design; scope may change. [1]

Where it could fit

Pumps & mechanical services

The reference design includes intake and transfer pumping. [1]

A potential fit for pumping equipment and lifecycle support; the delivery plan also identifies pump maintenance as a possible local service. [2]

Electrical equipment & services

Published scope includes power supply, transformers and substations. [1]

A reason to explore electrical supply and servicing capability; package availability and technical fit still need confirmation.

One useful next check

Review the supplier-interest route.

Northern Water’s ICN listing invites suppliers to register interest and receive updates about potential work packages.

View the ICN supplier listing ↗

This is a supplier-interest register, separate from the major-contract tender. It does not confirm an available equipment order. [4]

Sources & open questions 4 primary sources
  1. PlanSA · Assessment requirements, pp. 4–6 ↗

    Preliminary design and scope. Released 30 June 2026. Assessment record.

  2. Northern Water · Procurement & delivery ↗

    Shortlist, delivery model and possible local services.

  3. Northern Water · About the project ↗

    Design sequence and conditions before construction.

  4. ICN · Northern Water supplier listing ↗

    Supplier-interest route, separate from major procurement.

Still to establish

Available packages and budgets, product specifications, the responsible decision maker and supplier timing. This brief does not provide a product-fit score or a measured Spec Influence Window.

Sources reviewed 7 September 2026. Undated project pages are a snapshot; check the latest position before acting. External sources open in a new tab.