The Western Australian Government has congratulated businesses across the state for their efforts in saving 7.9 billion litres of water over 2011-12.

State Water Minister, Terry Redman, said that businesses taking part in the Water Corporation’s Water Efficiency Management Plan (WEMP) had saved the equivalent of 3,500 Olympic swimming pools. The water saving program helps businesses using more than 20 million litres of scheme water per year to reduce water use.

Mr Redman said the program was introduced in 2007 and had grown to include 344 businesses across the State working to reduce their water use. 

“These businesses not only saved huge amounts of water, they have demonstrated their commitment to the environment and the sustainable use of water,” he said.

“The 344 businesses involved account for about 37 per cent of non-residential scheme water use - or approximately 34.5 billion litres per year - in Western Australia.

“To save 7.9 billion litres of scheme water in one year is an outstanding result, with the changes made through the program saving 18.5 billion litres over four years.

“This has also saved these businesses around $16million in water and wastewater charges, proving that being water efficient saves water and money.”