Water conservation and reuse are essential in a drying climate and the City participates in a range of initiatives to reduce our water consumption and manage this precious resource responsibly.
Water Sensitive City
The City is working to become a Water Sensitive City, along with 16 other local councils across the Perth region. This is part of the state government’s vision for a Water Sensitive greater Perth and requires us to adapt to changing water availability so we can create liveable, resilient and sustainable communities. Being water sensitive means showing a commitment to sustainable water use and improved water quality; using Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) and helping educate the community about the value of water.
Water Sensitive City benchmarking
Our progress towards becoming a Water Sensitive City was recently benchmarked by the Cooperative Research Centre for Water Sensitive Cities. This means the City’s performance is rated against 34 goals, including water literacy in the community, adaptive water infrastructure, and sustainable water use. The outcomes were used in the development of the City’s new Waterwise Council Action Plan 2021-26.
Gold Waterwise Council
The City has maintained Gold Waterwise Council status since 2017 through the Waterwise Councils Program, thanks to ongoing water-efficient innovations in its operations and strong community support initiatives. The City has a leading Central Irrigation Management System, Gold Waterwise endorsed aquatic centres, water sensitive urban design projects, supportive waterwise programs and incentives for our community and ongoing community engagement around our water initiatives. Under a 5-year Waterwise Council Action Plan (2021-26) the City is committed to sustainably managing water into the future under a drying climate.
Living Green Program
The City’s Living Green Program offers a range of support and initiatives to help the community conserve water. These include:
- Waterwise events and workshops
- Sustainable Verge program
- Sustainable Verge Awards
- Waterwise Plant Giveaway Day
- Rainwater Tank discounts
- Greywater systems fee relief.
Learn more about the City’s community water initiatives on the Living Green Program page.
Waterwise gardening
Learn how to plant and care for your waterwise garden in the Waterwise Planting, Care and Maintenance Guide.
Sustainable verge guide
Read the sustainable verge makeover guide for waterwise tips and tricks.
Greywater systems fee relief
To encourage the uptake of water efficient greywater systems across the City, greywater application fees have been waived, saving residents $236.
Greywater systems are one of the best opportunities to reuse water and save money at home or in the garden. Greywater systems allow you to treat domestic wastewater (from sinks, baths, showers and washing machines) and re-use it on the garden or for flushing toilets and washing clothes. As 42% of Perth’s mains water supply is used on residential lawns and gardens, greywater systems offer an opportunity to maintain a green garden while significantly reducing your water use and cost.
How to install a greywater system
- Choose a greywater system approved by the Department of Health
- Submit an application to construct or install an apparatus for the treatment of sewage to the City ($118 application fee currently waived). Note, certain larger systems may require approval from both the City and also the Chief Health Officer of the Department of Health. These include, premises with more than 8 occupants, output of more than 540 litres of sewage per day, or a lot with multiple premises. This will require the payment of an additional fee ($118)
- Once approval is granted, ensure the system is installed by a plumber and they issue a Compliance Certificate
- Request an inspection by the City’s Environmental Health Officer by calling (08) 9205 8555 and present them with the Compliance Certificate
- Once the inspection is complete and the system approved, a “Permit to Use” the apparatus will be granted ($118 fees currently waived for this permit).
To learn more about greywater, visit gwig.org or download the West Australian Greywater Guide.
Waterwise Business Program
All businesses that use over 20,000 kilolitres of water per year are required to participate in the Waterwise Business Program. However, smaller businesses can also benefit from accessing the free training, events, and resources.
The Water Corporation program has been designed to provide businesses with a better understanding of water use and savings opportunities, and to encourage business customers to manage water in the most efficient and sustainable way possible.
To support your business to save water through improved water efficiency, water recycling and new technology, you can access the Water Corporation Waterwise Business Program webpage.
- Check your sprinkler watering days and FAQ on the Water Corporation website.
- See how your water use compares to other households at Your Waterwise Status
- Learn about alternative water supply opportunities like greywater systems and rainwater harvesting
- Access waterwise advice for your home and garden and building/renovating a waterwise home
- Learn about Perth's precious groundwater and everything you need to know if you have a garden bore.
