Wyndham harvesting rainwater

Rainwater tanks are being installed in selected public toilets in Wyndham (Australia) to harvest rain water for toilet flushing, reducing Council’s use of potable water.

Wyndham Council secured $US 266,000 ($AUS 300,000) in funding from the Department of Regional and Rural Development for environmental initiatives in rural areas, and these funds will be used to install the two 3,000 litre slimline water tanks.  These tanks will be installed under the front veranda and will be connected to the roof gutters to collect the rain water.  The tanks will be screened off with coloured steel cladding for protection and security.

Wyndham Mayor Councillor Shane Bourke said the installation of the two water tanks demonstrates Council’s commitment to saving water.  “Water conservation is one of Wyndham Council’s high priorities,” said Mayor Bourke.

He went on to say, “Wyndham residents are some of the best in the state (district of Kimberley) at saving water and many have already implemented water reducing measures in their homes.  Council has already started several programs to cut down on water usage and educate residents, including using recycled water on street trees, showerhead exchange days and Wyndham Water Wise Month.”

ICLEI has an international freshwater Water Campaign that aims to build the capacity of local governments to reduce water consumption and improve local water quality. In Australia, the Campaign is delivered in collaboration with the Australian Government, the Government of Western Australia, City West Water, South East Water, Yarra Valley Water and the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board.  Wyndham is one of the 100 participants presently in the Campaign.  For more information on ICLEI’s Water Campaign in Australia, please visit www.iclei.org/index.php?id=water_home <http://www.iclei.org/water/>.

Wyndham is one of 105 local governments in Australia that are currently Members of ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability.  For more information on ICLEI and its activities in the Oceania Region, please visit www.iclei.org/oceania.

Source:  ‘Flushed With Success’, Wyndham City Council press release, 13 September 2007.11.14