The City of Bayswater looks after Perth’s largest urban water catchment. With the unflattering name of the Bayswater main drain, this connected series of waterways flows into the Swan River and carries with it the potential for nutrients and other pollutants to enter the river.
By establishing a series of mini wetlands that form havens for native flora and fauna along the drain’s route, the City has been working together with the Swan River Trust and other partners to implement an innovative local water quality improvement plan.
By establishing the wetlands and planting sedges and other native flora, excess nutrients and a range of pollutants are removed from the water and prevented from entering the Swan River’s ecosystem.
In high concentrations, these pollutants are responsible for the algal blooms that have been known to impact on the river. The result is the ‘main drain’ has now been rebadged as the Bayswater Brook to more accurately reflect its significance to the environment.
Mayor Terry Kenyon said the local water quality improvement plan demonstrated the City’s commitment to protecting and enhancing the environment.
“The City has stewardship of over 10 kilometres of Swan River foreshore and we need to do our part in protecting its riverine environment. The mini wetlands we maintain are nature’s filters that help reduce pollutants, which is good for the river and good for our community.”
For further information on the City’s Local Water Quality Improvement Plan, phone
(08) 9272 0622.
