Waterways

The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation shares responsibility for protecting and managing waterways in Western Australia.
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Waterways are valuable assets that provide environmental, social cultural and economic benefits for Western Australia.

These benefits include:

  • water supply for drinking , agriculture and industry
  • flood protection
  • sustaining biodiversity and fish resources
  • preserving cultural heritage and spiritual connections
  • opportunities for commerce, such as commercial cruises, boat hire and transport
  • recreation, such as boating , fishing, sailing, water-skiing, kayaking, swimming
  • public amenity for picnics and events.

Explore the topics below to find out more about our waterways.

Values of our waterways

Our waterways have many social, economic and cultural values.

Threats to our waterways

Read about the threats and risks to the health of our waterways.

Assessing waterway health

Assessing waterway health is a vital step in being able to manage our waterways effectively.

Managing our waterways

Find out how we are protecting and managing waterways in Western Australia.

What are waterways?

Read about the different terms used to describe waterways.

Healthy Rivers program

Healthy Rivers supports monitoring, research and partnerships to better protect and improve the health of our rivers and communities.

Healthy Estuaries WA

A State Government program improving the health of seven estuaries across south-west WA.

Revitalising Geographe Waterways

A State Government initiative to improve water quality in the Geographe Bay catchment.

Swan Canning Riverpark

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions manages and protects the Swan Canning Riverpark.