The Shire of Beverley in Western Australia has implemented a stormwater harvesting system to help future-proof the dryland area.
The recently commissioned Beverley Water Harvest Project was one of fifteen projects funded through the 2015 round of the Department of Water Community Water Supply Program (CWSP).
The CWSP provides grants of up to $100,000 for community water supply improvements in dryland agricultural areas receiving less than 600mm average annual rainfall.
A $100,000 grant to the Shire of Beverley has resulted in a storm water harvesting system that will reduce reliance on scheme water and increase capacity for public works.
“Acknowledging the dramatic decrease in average annual rainfall for the district over the last thirty years, the community of Beverley has taken steps to safe guard our future by developing a sustainable option for water management,” said Community Development Officer, Kathryn McLean.
The potential of a storm water-harvesting project was realised through the work of various departments and a community committee with relevant experience and knowledge in water management.
The committee devised a concept that would capture water from the townscape in two newly, constructed and lined basins, and from which the water would be pumped to the town dam.
A consultant engineer, other regional contractors and Shire of Beverley staff have achieved what the Department of Water described as an impressive outcome.
This project will increase capacity for irrigating public open space, public works and for emergency services.
The system also enables the possibility of establishing a standpipe for access to non-potable emergency water during dry seasons.
At a total cost of $300,000 this project relies on the already good system of drainage that runs in the vicinity of John St, Forrest St and Edwards St.
From approximately 30,000m2 of street surface area and approximately 178,000m2 of built infrastructure, including housing, hospital, aged care facility, Beverley District High School, and natural surrounds, the estimated annual water harvest volume from this project is 30,000kL.
This figure is based on an average annual rainfall of 380mm. Combined with the soon to be completed Water Corporation Waste Water Treatment Plant, the Western Australian Wheatbelt town of Beverley is well equipped to reduce its reliance on scheme water.
At the official opening on 10 June, the Western Australian Minister for Water, Hon Mia Davies, MLA congratulated the Beverley community on making water management a priority.
Department of Water representatives were impressed by the forethought of the community in taking steps to safe guard the town’s future by developing a sustainable option to manage water resources efficiently.
