Wyalkatchem completes water harvesting upgrade to boost community water supply

The Shire of Wyalkatchem recently completed a stormwater harvesting project just in time to make the most of recent rain, Water Minister Davies announced today.
  • $50,350 grant for refurbishment of stormwater catchment and tank installation
  • Shire of Wyalkatchem contributed $27,471

The Shire of Wyalkatchem recently completed a stormwater harvesting project just in time to make the most of recent rain, Water Minister Davies announced today.

"The shire received a grant in the 2014 Department of Water's Community Water Supply Program (CWSP) of $50,350 to significantly build on its water efficiency," Ms Davies said.

The grant has been used to refurbish the stormwater catchment area for the local 16,000 kilolitres capacity dam and the installation of new 100kL and 175kL tanks in the town.

A 25 per cent decrease in the average rainfall in the past 10 years has highlighted the shire's need to develop strategies to establish non-potable water supplies.

The harvested water will provide an extra 14,000-16,000kL of non-potable water per year to irrigate the townscape, supply emergency farm water and to fight fires.

"The shire and the community have expressed their joy at seeing the water flowing into the dam after the rain on June 21," the Minister said.

"There have been limited off-farm water supplies in the area until now and this water harvesting project will make the most of any rainfall flow for that purpose.

"The harvested water is expected to now be piped into town and be distributed between existing dams and new tanks to provide an important fit-for-purpose supply for townscape irrigation and the off-farm supplies.

"The Shire of Wyalkatchem contributed $27,471 to complement the State Government grant which is a great demonstration of the State working with local governments to build community water supplies."

Fact File

  • Since 1996, more than $4.7 million has been allocated to nearly 100 projects as part of the CWSP
  • Government grants are designed for dryland communities receiving less than 600mm average rainfall
  • Average rainfall has reduced from 323mm annually since 1910 to 242mm in the past 10 years, a 25% decrease

Minister's office - 6552 5500