The Sydney Desalination Plant is an essential component of Sydney’s water supply resilience supplying up to 250 megalitres per day of drinking water (15% of Sydney’s water needs). The plant was built between 2008 and 2010 in response to the millennium drought and operated successfully for two years. With water storage dams recovering to high levels, a decision was made to place the plant in a state of long term preservation ready to respond to the next drought. In late 2015 a tornado hit the plant causing extensive damage, and requiring thorough inspection and reinstatement to its pre-storm condition. This was completed successfully in late 2018. In January 2019, after seven years of preservation, the plant was successfully restarted and continues to be available to assist the supply of water to Sydney’s customers.