The City of Mandurah has been re-endorsed as a Gold Waterwise Council by the Water Corporation, recognising the City’s continued dedication to sustainable water management and building waterwise communities.
The City was first endorsed through the State Government’s Waterwise Council Program in 2009 and has reached Gold status for the past nine years with a range of innovative water-saving efforts and commitment to community education.
Mayor Caroline Knight said the recent Gold status reflected the City’s priorities and efforts to protect the local environment through the 10-year Environment Strategy, launched in 2023.
“Our milestone Environment Strategy sets a clear direction and priorities as we work to protect and nurture our precious environment for future generations, which is one of the main priorities for our community,” Mayor Knight said.
“Sustainable waterwise practices are essential across our public spaces and facilities. We also encourage our community to be waterwise and learn about how they can help improve Mandurah’s water quality.”
Recent, City-led and supported water-saving efforts include using recycled water on public open space at the Florida North development and using sustainable water supplies on new greenspaces in Wannanup’s Eastport, Coodanup Foreshore, and Blythwood and Wilderness Drive reserves. Lakelands, Bortolo and Rushton Park ovals have also received boosted, secure water supplies thanks to the City’s Managed Aquifer Recharge program.
More than 60 groundwater meter data loggers also monitor ongoing groundwater consumption for active sporting ovals and public open space throughout the city. Real-time alerts are sent to staff if any deviation occurs in the normal water consumption rate. This program aims to identify system leaks and overall water efficiencies for these important community spaces.
The City continues to host Love Our Lakes workshops aimed at educating the community to help improve water quality for the city’s 20 urban lakes, which filter stormwater and provide habitat and freshwater for wildlife. In consultation with the City, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation is trialling a special clay, known as Hydrotalcite (HT) Clay, at Cox Bay Lake to help reduce the lake’s nutrient loads.
In 2023-24, more than 85 residents took part in the City’s popular Waterwise Verge program, transforming their verges into water-efficient, sustainable gardens. More than 700 households have participated in the program since it began.
The Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre (MARC) has also achieved Gold Waterwise Aquatic Centre status this year by fostering water-saving initiatives including water monitoring procedures, pool filter backwashing protocols, push-button temperature-controlled showers, waterless urinals and dual flush toilets.
In 2017 and 2024, the City was recognised as a Platinum Waterwise Council for its leadership and efforts in efficient and sustainable water use throughout local places and spaces.
