Sydney takes steps towards sustainable city water

A joint project from the City of Sydney and Sydney Water will see the installation of an extensive recycled water network along George Street and a greater push towards circular water solutions.

Under a new memorandum of understanding (MoU), 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.

The partnership follows completed recycled water works in Green Square, Central Park and Barangaroo.

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,” 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 the Waterloo estate.

Changing the way Australians interact with and use water is a key part of the City’s environmental strategy, with targets aiming to reduce per-person use of drinking water across the area from 223 litres a day to just 170 litres by 2030.

The City of Sydney is looking for partners to help expand the recycled pipework along George Street, potentially as far as Hyde Park. Extra pipework, storage and pumping stations will all be needed.

Work on the network is expected to start in early 2022.

Image caption: Lord Mayor Clover Moore and Sydney Water Managing Director Roch Cheroux outside Sydney’s Town Hall. Image credit: Jack Begbie, City of Sydney.