Pilbara faces water crisis as heatwave depletes Harding Dam

Pilbara water sources are critically low due to a severe heatwave and lack of rainfall, with a key dam at its lowest level since 1987. The Harding Dam, the region's primary water source, is at 16.8% capacity, forcing reliance on the Millstream aquifer, a culturally significant site. Temperatures are nearing 50°C. The WA government is planning a desalination plant as a long-term solution to address the predictable outcome of increased demand and reduced rainfall.