The City of Sydney has signed a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Sydney Water, facilitating the installation of an extensive recycled water network along George Street and a focus on circular water solutions.
Sydney Water will support the City of Sydney’s recycled water targets, while the City of Sydney will back Sydney Water’s objective to create world-class, sustainable waterways.
City of Sydney Lord Mayor, Clover Moore, said the partnership underscores the City of Sydney’s position as a leader in sustainability.
“We welcome the opportunity to work closely with Sydney Water to protect our most valuable asset,” Ms Moore said.
“The most recent drought has shown us how important it is to change the way we work with and use water as well as the need for smart infrastructure to give us greater access to recycled water.”
Sydney Water Managing Director, Roch Cheroux, underscored the importance of the partnership.
“Sydney Water is delighted to work alongside the City of Sydney under this MOU to provide innovative and resourceful ways of producing sustainable water services,” Mr Cheroux said.
“Sydney is one of the best cities in the world and, as it continues to grow in population, it is essential we ensure the ongoing delivery of world-class water of a city that is forever changing.
“Partnerships such as this one with City of Sydney are crucial for the security of water for the generations to come.”
The two organisations will hold monthly meetings to work together effectively, with Sydney Water already favouring plans for dual plumbing in Waterloo estate.
The City of Sydney said the partnership follows work it’s already done in establishing recycled water precincts in Green Square, Central Park and Barangaroo.
Changing the way the council interacts with and uses water is a key part of its environmental strategy. The City of Sydney is also aiming to reduce its per person use of drinking water across its area from 223L a day to just 170L by 2030.
The City of Sydney said it will now look for partners to help it expand the recycled pipework along George Street, potentially as far as Hyde Park and other properties it owns.
Expressions of interest for the supply of extra pipework, storage and pumping stations will be sought in the coming weeks.
Work on the network is expected to start in early 2022.
