Karratha Airport has been crowned Western Australia’s leading waterwise business, thanks to several innovative water-saving initiatives that have helped halve water usage in the past 12 months.
The Pilbara airport, which is operated by the City of Karratha Council, was today announced as the Platinum Waterwise Business of the Year at a special ceremony for participants in Water Corporation’s Waterwise Business Program.
“Being waterwise is fundamental to WA’s future water security, which is why programs that help high water-use businesses and buildings reduce consumption are so important,” said Water Minister, Don Punch.
“It’s about all segments of the community – not just households – joining together to treat water like the precious resource it is.
“With climate change dramatically reducing drinking water received from rainfall, we cannot afford to take our eye off the ball when it comes to being waterwise.
“It’s great to see WA’s business community doing its part to ensure drinking water remains secure now and into the future.”
Among its recent water-saving initiatives is an ongoing major upgrade to water distribution networks, as well as increased use of recycled water for irrigation, flushing toilets and wash-down bays.
Digital water meters have also been piloted to deliver real-time usage data and help easily identify leaks.
A second Pilbara business – The Landing Resort in Port Hedland – was also acknowledged at today’s ceremony, joining Crown Metropol Perth and BOC Australia as gold waterwise award recipients.
“How fantastic to see Karratha Airport and The Landing Resort in Port Hedland flying the flag for waterwise businesses in the Pilbara,” said Pilbara MLA, Kevin Michel.
“Across the region, we know traditional surface and groundwater sources are under pressure due to lower, less consistent rainfall.
“Desalination is likely to play a greater role in our future water supply mix, however, it does not replace the need to be waterwise.
“That doesn’t just apply to households, but also to businesses and workplaces.”
Introduced in 2007, the Waterwise Business Program helps high water-use businesses reduce consumption and lower water bills, while alleviating wider demand on precious drinking water supplies.
In 2023-24, 287 participating businesses saved 9.6 billion litres of water, taking the total amount saved since the program’s inception to 156 billion litres – enough to fill Optus Stadium 156 times.
Also celebrated today were Dexus Funds Management Limited’s building at 240 St Georges Terrace and 1 William Street by Centuria Capital Limited for achieving gold waterwise status in the Waterwise Building Program.
For more information about all Water Corporation non-residential water efficiency programs, visit watercorporation.com.au/Waterwise/Waterwise-programs.
