Climate change and increasing populations are increasing pressure on water resources. Water is integral to almost every feature of an urban landscape, and is essential for the wellbeing of people. Improving the water sensitivity of the City will improve the resiliency, liveability, productivity and sustainability of the City. The City undertakes a number of programs and projects to move towards best practice water management and safeguard our City's sustainable future.
Council Commitments
Water Sensitive Canning Vision
In May 2018, Council endorsed a “Vision for a Water Sensitive Canning”. This Vision provides direction on improving the water sensitivity of the City.
Work is underway to develop strategies and actions to achieve the “Vision for a Water Sensitive Canning”, and there will be opportunities for the Canning community to be involved in this process.
Water Management
Resource Use Management Platform
The City has committed to measuring and monitoring its energy, water, waste and fuel. Currently using the web-based platform Azility, the City measures and monitors the City's consumption data and has plans to integrate this into an Online Impact Tracking Platform (Impact Tracker).
Water Management Strategy
The Water Management Strategy provides a framework for the achievement of better water management outcomes, consistent with the overall vision and objectives of the City. The objectives include:
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recognise the ecological, social and cultural importance of water
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respond to the needs of the environment and community in a changing climate
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educate and inform the community to build understanding and support for change
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promote innovative and visionary approaches to water management
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protect and restore water quality, hydrological and ecological function of wetlands, waterways and groundwater systems
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reduce water use overall and promote ‘fit-for purpose’ use of all available water resources
- deliver functional and sustainable public open spaces.
To view the Water Management Strategy, click here
Water Efficiency
Business as usual
As part of “business as usual” operations of the City of Canning, the following water wise practices are implemented:
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installation of water fixtures that are WELS rated 3 star or higher
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leak detection is undertaken as part of regular site inspections
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bore water consumption is monitored through the use of water meters
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innovative nutrient management of turf to reduce irrigation requirements and fertiliser use
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ongoing monitoring and maintenance of irrigation systems
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new parks are designed with low water use as a primary design principle
- existing parks are progressively upgraded to encompass low water design principles
- opportunities to reinfiltrate rainfall runoff to underground groundwater systems are assessed on an ongoing basis
- community workshops on waterwise gardening and waterwise homes are offered at CREEC as part of the Community Learning Program
- ​water audits of high consuming sites
- restoration of degraded land areas to improve biodiversity, increase urban canopy, and reduce contamination of stormwater and groundwater
- Industry Inspection Program, providing best practice advice to industrial businesses within the City to reduce discharges and improve stormwater runoff
Waterwise Aquatic Centres
The Waterwise Aquatic Centre Program aims to recognise centres for their commitment to saving water in their facilities. Both the Cannington and Riverton Leisureplex facilities are accredited under the Waterwise Aquatic Centres Program.
For further information on being a waterwise aquatic centre, please visit the Waterwise Aquatic Centre program.
Water Sensitive City
Waterwise Council Program
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The City of Canning is a proud Gold Waterwise
Council
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The Waterwise Council Program is a collaboration between the Water Corporation and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, to support local governments to improve water efficiency in Council operations and community activities. The City of Canning has been accredited as a Waterwise Council since 2017, and is proud to be endorsed as a Gold Waterwise Council every year since 2018. Gold Waterwise status is recognition that the City is driving liveability outcomes across the water cycle and is making a valuable contribution in the creation of a water sensitive city and community.
In 2019, the City of Canning was also recognised as a Platinum Waterwise Council, recognising that extraordinary waterwise leadership has been demonstrated. To be recognised as a Platinum Wasterwise Council, the Council must go beyond water efficiency and build in sensitive water management. A key component of the criteria was to demonstrate actions or initiatives that meet any of the seven Water Sensitive Cities goal areas:
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ensure good water sensitive governance
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increase community capital
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improve productivity and resource efficiency
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improve ecological health
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ensure quality urban space
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achieve equity of essential services
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promote adaptive infrastructure.
As part of being a Gold Waterwise Council, the Water Corporation proudly co-funds the City’s street tree planting program and waterwise demonstration projects through the Waterwise Greening Scheme, which form part of our ambition for the City of Canning to be a leading waterwise community.
Major Projects
In order to achieve the “Vision for a Water Sensitive Canning” the City is incorporating water sensitive infrastructure and technology into current projects:
Resources
For further information on being a waterwise school, please visit the Water Corporation's Waterwise Schools program. For further information on being a endorsed waterwise developer, please visit the Water Corporation's Waterwise Development Program.
For further information and resources on being sustainable at home or in the community, please visit our Health, Wellbeing and Resilience page. For further information and resources on being a sustainable business, please visit our Local Economy and Prosperity page.
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