Stormwater a valuable harvest for Beverley

• Beverley stormwater harvesting project to deliver extra 22.5 million litres of water

• Project supported through $100,000 Community Water Supply Program grant 

A completed stormwater harvesting project in the Shire of Beverley will provide more than 22 million litres of extra water per year for use by the community.

Water Minister Mia Davies officially launched the project today, which was supported by a $100,000 grant through the Liberal National Government's Community Water Supply Program.

"In this drying climate, having a secure water supply for our ovals, parks and community needs is something we have to work harder to achieve," Ms Davies said.

"Innovative use of natural and man-made features to harvest stormwater now means Beverley has a substantial volume of water that was never available in the past.

"This harvested water that used to run down the street can now meet up to 50 per cent of the town's public open space irrigation needs, as well as provide water for emergencies."

The Beverley stormwater harvesting project involved construction of two stormwater retention basins with a combined capacity of four million litres to capture water from the town's streets.

As the basins fill during high rainfall events, water is pumped to existing tanks at sports ovals and to the 20 megalitre town dam to optimise storage.

The Shire of Beverley contributed $209,143 to create the innovative water harvesting project, which results in an extra 22.5 million litres of water being available for use.

"This will greatly improve the town's self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on costly and valuable scheme water for non-potable needs," the Minister said.

Optimisation of storage in the 20 megalitre capacity town dam may in the future also provide emergency livestock water for farmers during dry periods, and water for firefighting needs.

The Community Water Supply Program is managed by the Department of Water.

Fact File

• Since 1996, the Community Water Supply Program has contributed $4.72 million to 107 projects to develop and optimise non-potable water supplies for off-farm emergency water and fit-for-purpose supplies for community use in dryland areas receiving, on average, less than 600mm of rainfall a year 

Minister's office - 6552 5500