Water | Sustainability in the City of Albany

Water is essential for life, and with the growing pressures on water resources from population growth and the effects of climate change, it is critical for local governments to effectively manage this precious resource.

An increase in the capacity to reduce the City’s water consumption and improve local water quality can be successful through a number of options in which the City can manage their water use more sustainably. This generally includes but is not limited to:

improving overall water use efficiency in City facilities
improved irrigation systems and scheduling practices
improved turf maintenance practices and planting regimes
accurate measuring and recording of current water use
support for the principles of Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) guidelines within the City’s subdivisional developments and new infrastructure.

As a Gold Waterwise Council, the City of Albany will develop a waterwise strategy and vision towards a water sensitive city.

Objectives

To improve water efficiency within City’s buildings and facilities

Gold Waterwise Council Endorsement and Platinum Aquatic Centre endorsement
Identify opportunities for improvements through the auditing of water use within City infrastructure.
Install equipment that has water efficient technology features.

To improve water management through maintenance and renewal of City assets

Conduct water auditing to adequately assess the City’s water usage and the development of water reduction targets.
Scheduled maintenance, servicing and renewal of City assets in a timely manner, that maximises the whole of life cost.
Prioritise upgrades, retrofits and replacements of City assets within its capital works programs and maintenance schedules.

To promote water management and efficiency through education and awareness

By encouraging staff through education programs such as water wise training, to assist in identifying where water can make saving efforts.
By promoting the use of water wise vegetation, irrigation techniques and WSUD as part of the City’s capital works and maintenance programs.
Provide a range of waterwise greening initiatives through waterwise verge rebate program, community workshops and street trees

2. Water

Objectives

To improve water efficiency within City’s buildings and facilities

To improve water management through maintenance and renewal of City assets

To promote water management and efficiency through education and awareness