Water carting likely to be expanded to Jerramungup, Ongerup, Frankland and Borden in face of “unprecedented” dry spell

Water carting efforts are likely to be expanded to the towns of Jerramungup, Ongerup, Frankland and Borden in the coming weeks in the face of an “unprecedented” dry spell.

Water Minister Dave Kelly announced the extra measures this morning as he made a “very direct appeal” to Great Southern communities about water use.

"I understand some people accessing scheme water via standpipes are making multiple trips as they feel they need to keep their own tanks full, but if we all do our part, and share the resource fairly, we will manage,” Mr Kelly said.

"I urge community members to please only take as much water from standpipes as they need for their weekly needs.

"I also urge members of the farming community to complete the farm water surveys which have been circulated by DWER.

“These provide State Government agencies working to support farming communities with essential information to help them to continue to provide this assistance."

Mr Kelly said the McGowan Government had already spent about $4 million carting water across the south of WA.

About 11 million litres of drinking water was being carted each week to areas including Cranbrook, Walpole, Wellstead, Rocky Gully and Lake King.

Water is also being carted for animal welfare needs to six areas which have been declared water deficient.

Mr Kelly said the total cost of water carting could exceed $11 million by the end of June.