Installing an extensive recycled water network along George Street and a greater push towards circular water solutions are both key features of a new memorandum of understanding between the City of Sydney and Sydney Water.
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.
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,” the Lord Mayor 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 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 2 organisations will hold monthly meetings to work together effectively, with Sydney Water already favouring plans for dual plumbing in Waterloo estate.
The partnership follows work we’ve already done in establishing recycled water precincts in Green Square, Central Park and Barangaroo.
Changing the way we interact with and use water is a key part of our environmental strategy.
We’re also aiming to reduce our per person use of drinking water across our area from 223 litres a day to just 170 litres by 2030.
We’ll now look for partners to help us expand the recycled pipework along George Street, potentially as far as Hyde Park and other properties we own.
Extra pipework, storage and pumping stations will all be needed, and we’ll seek expressions of interest in the coming weeks.
Work on the network is expected to start early next year.
Published 21 June 2021
