The $4.2 million reverse osmosis and potable water plant at the Tarong Power Station was unveiled by Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson yesterday.

“It's not new technology, but it's proven. The Tarong plant will produce at least 500ML of water a year for the station's demineralised water plant and that means water savings from Wivenhoe Dam," Wilson said.

The reverse osmosis plant can turn salt water, sewerage and stormwater into purified water, which will be used in the Tarong Power Station’s four boilers.

The small potable water plant is also capable of producing 94ML of high quality drinking water.

“This water will be used by station employees, workers at the adjacent Meandu Mine and Tarong North Power Station workers," Wilson said.

“It completely removes Tarong Power Station's reliance on water from Wivenhoe Dam.

“Everyone in South East Queensland has been doing their bit in response to the drought and so has Tarong Energy. I congratulate them on this initiative."

Tarong Energy chief executive Helen Gluer said the reverse osmosis and potable water plant produces at least 120 litres of water for every dollar invested.

“That's excellent value for money, especially now, with South East Queensland in the grip of the worst drought on record," Gluer said.