Businesses participating in the Water Corporation’s Water Efficiency Management Plan (WEMP) have saved 13 billion litres of water in 2012-13.
The WEMP program assists businesses which use more than 20 million litres of drinking water per year to reduce water use.
WA Water Minister Mia Davies thanked the 339 participating businesses for their efforts at a special recognition ceremony held this morning.
“Thank you for saving 13 billion litres of precious drinking water in 2012-13, which is the equivalent of almost 6,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools,” Ms Davies said.
“Often we focus on what homeowners can do to save water, however it’s just as important for businesses to save and this recognition really illustrates the business community’s commitment to Western Australia’s water future.”
The Water Corporation’s WEMP program, which has been supported by the Department of Water since its inception, has saved 31.5 billion litres of water since it began in 2007. Through the program, businesses make permanent changes to their operations, which continue to deliver savings in the long term.
The Minister said a new Champion Award had been introduced this year for businesses who had received Platinum or Gold awards for two consecutive years.
“The introduction of the Champion Award means we can now recognise businesses who have consistently achieved significant water savings – which is an outstanding effort,” she said.
Thirty-two companies received a Champion Award, Platinum Awards (for more than 50 per cent improvement in water efficiency) were presented to 12 businesses and Gold Awards (for 35-50 per cent improvement) were awarded to 29 businesses.
A total of 37 businesses received Silver Awards (25-35 per cent improvement) and 64 received Bronze Awards (10-25 per cent improvement).