Water Sustainability
Australia is the driest populated continent on Earth, and yet Australia uses more water per person than most other countries in the world. Much can be done in the home and garden to reduce water use and the impacts of stormwater and wastewater on surrounding ecosystems.
The 2 issues that households can help to address are:
- reducing the quantity of water we consume
- improving water quality by managing stormwater and wastewater.
Conserving our water has many benefits, including reducing the need to build new water supply resources, protecting river health by reducing water extraction, and reducing the impacts of treating and disposing of wastewater. Managing surface runoff and stormwater pollution helps to prevent the degradation of our rivers, wetlands and oceans.
Water Recycling
Water recycling helps us meet the growing demand of this valuable resource and ensures our valuable groundwater is less impacted.
Find our more about groundwater here.
What is Recycled Water?
Recycled water is a renewable resource that is not subject to the same water restrictions as drinking water.
Non-drinking water sources include wastewater, greywater, rainwater, stormwater and groundwater which may need further treatment for the intended use. You can read more about these below.
The State water recycling strategy explains how recycled water can be safely used in a range of sectors in Western Australia.
Since this strategy was published in 2008, we have continued to work together with other agencies and the Water Corporation to promote safe water recycling.
Recycled water can be used for:
- industrial, commercial and residential uses
- drinking water
- agriculture
- environmental benefits, such as supporting wetlands
- irrigating public parks, playgrounds, sporting grounds and golf courses.
Reducing water use
Reducing water use in the home is a simple and easy way to decrease water and energy bills and reduce your household’s environmental impact. Water-efficient showerheads, taps, appliances and toilets can significantly reduce water use. Look for the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) label for water-efficient products.
For tips and information, click here
Rainwater
Rainwater is water harvested directly from roof runoff from domestic or commercial buildings and captured in rainwater tanks. Rainfall is variable in Perth, so to optimise the full potential of rainwater as a water source, the rainwater system should be plumbed into the building for non-drinking purposes, such as in laundries and toilets.
Collecting and using rainwater can reduce your water bills and help maintain your garden during water restrictions. It can also help to conserve water resources and reduce environmental impacts beyond the home.
On average, a roof area of 100 m2 (approximately 50 per cent of an average house in Perth) can collect about 50,000 litres of water a year when plumbed for internal and external use. With an appropriately sized rainwater tank, this could supply up to 20 per cent of a household's water needs.
Before installing a rainwater tank, approvals from your local council may be required.
Read more about rainwater:
Draft Alternate Water Supply Guidelines – Stormwater and Rainwater
Rainwater storage and reuse systems
Water Corporation - Waterwise
Australian guidelines for water recycling
The cost effectiveness of residential rainwater tanks in Perth
For other tips and information, click here
Wastewater reuse
Many Australian homes use potable (drinkable) water for practically everything in the house and garden. You can reduce potable water use in the home by treating and reusing greywater (from showers, basins and taps) and blackwater (from the toilet, kitchen sink and dishwasher).
Wastewater is an important alternative water source. It is climate resilient, located closer to potential future demand zones, relatively consistent in quality and available in significant volumes that increase with urban growth.
Wastewater is the used water from households and business that is disposed of through the sewerage network (or into septic tanks in some areas).
Treated wastewater is discharged from a wastewater treatment facility after it has passed through treatment processes to reduce its nutrient and bio-chemical load. If treated wastewater is considered as a non-drinking water source option, further treatment may be required.
In some proclaimed public drinking water source areas, irrigation with treated wastewater is considered an incompatible land use. You can contact us at info@dwer.wa.gov.au for additional information.
Recycling wastewater is part of the managed water cycle and accounted for in developing urban water strategies and management plans.
Read more about wastewater recycling:
Managed aquifer recharge in Western Australia
Water Corporation - Wastewater
Department of Health - Recycled water in WA
Department of Health - Wastewater
Guidelines for the non-potable uses of recycled water in Western Australia
Code of Practice for the Design, Manufacture, Installation and Operation of Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs)
Economic Regulation Authority
For other tips and information, click here
Stormwater
Stormwater is urban surface water runoff from rain events. In areas such as the sandy soils of the Swan coastal plain, rainfall and resultant stormwater naturally recharges the superficial aquifer.
Stormwater drainage systems are often former natural waterways and the harvesting of stormwater can impact on ecosystems and water bodies that are dependent on that water.
Proponents need to consider these requirements of the catchment in determining the volume of water that can be collected for large-scale harvesting systems and the impacts on the local water balance.
Governance around ownership, operation and management of a community-scale stormwater system should also be considered.
Find out more about stormwater harvesting:
Draft Alternate Water Supply Guidelines – Stormwater and Rainwater
Australian Guidelines for Urban Stormwater Management
Managed aquifer recharge in Western Australia
No matter what recycled water option you use for your development or property, its always important to ensure that it meets the Federal, State and Local requirements.
Please refer to the Shire of Northam LPP2 General Development Guidelines
For tips and information, click here
Outdoor water use
The principles of water-efficient garden design include choosing plants adapted to the local climate, improving the condition and moisture retention of soil, adding mulch to the garden, and using water-saving garden products and efficient irrigation systems. If you have a pool, use a cover to minimise evaporation.
For tips and information, click here
Waterless toilets
Toilets that do not require water for flushing can have lower environmental impacts than water-efficient toilets. If appropriately designed, they save water and money, and avoid disposal of effluent and pollutants into waterways and the general environment. There are different types of waterless toilets that do not smell and may suit a modern bathroom.
For tips and information, click here
Updated 24.10.25