Waterwise

Waterwise Council

The Waterwise Council Program is a partnership between the Water Corporation, Department of Water and Environmental Regulation and local governments aimed at improving water efficiency and management.

The City was first recognised as a Gold Waterwise Council in May 2019 and has continued to be re-endorsed on a yearly basis. To achieve this status, we were required to expand on our existing endorsement by developing new actions aimed at meeting the goals listed in the Water Sensitive Cities Goals Index.

The 2021 Waterwise Council Action Plan (WCAP) guides works undertaken by the City to create a Water Sensitive City. A review of the Action Plan is conducted every five years, with this plan superseding the 2016 Water Efficiency Action Plan (WEAP).

Water saving tips

There are many little things that we can all do to save water in the garden:

• Check your sprinkler run time – most irrigation systems can be reduced by two minutes per station and still maintain a healthy garden.
• Water before 9am or after 6pm on your rostered watering day – this reduces the amount of water lost through evaporation.
• Mulch your garden to keep the water in – this can achieve water savings of up to 20%.
• Put a cover on your backyard pool – without a cover it is possible to lose your pool's entire volume of water each year through evaporation.

Use the links below to find out about more water saving tips to help conserve water at home and reduce overall water usage.

Saving water in the home

Saving water in the garden

Winter sprinkler switch-off

The Winter Sprinkler Switch-off occurs throughout winter (1 June - 31 August) every year. Residents in Perth, Peel and parts of the South-West and Great Southern must turn off garden irrigation during the annual Winter Sprinkler Switch-off.

Winter Sprinkler Switch-off

Find out more about being Groundwater Wise.

Waterwise verge demonstration gardens

Two waterwise verge gardens were installed in early 2025 with support from the Forever Project and community volunteers. You can find these demonstration gardens at:

• Tangadee Road, Golden Bay – outside Golden Bay Community Centre.
• Unnaro Street, Hillman – across from the Hillman Hall.

Converting your verge with native, waterwise plants can help:

1. Reduce water use.
2. Lower maintenance.
3. Build habitats for wildlife.
4. Create attractive spaces.
5. Adapt to local climate conditions.

Waterwise Verge Subsidy

Did you know we offer a subsidy to support to help residents get started with their own waterwise verge transformation?

Find out more at Verges and Gardens.