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Drinking Water
Safe drinking water is of primary importance to the community of this State, as it is fundamental both to public health and the continued growth of the Western Australian economy.
Water is essential to sustain life. In Western Australia it is easy for us to take the quality of our drinking water for granted. When we turn on the tap, we expect safe, pleasant tasting water to flow out. Our health depends on having an adequate supply of safe water for drinking, cooking, laundry, bathing, even brushing our teeth – every day.
The link between our drinking water supply and disease has been recognised for thousands of years. If our drinking water becomes contaminated with microorganisms or chemicals, illness can and will occur.
The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) is the standard for drinking water in Australia and sets the benchmark for drinking water provision in WA.
For further information on Drinking Water Quality Management and Issues, click on the relevant links below:
- Drinking Water Quality Management
- Drinking Water Catchment Management
- Drinking Water Monitoring and Testing
- Drinking Water Treatment
- Drinking Water Contaminants
Most West Australians have access to reticulated drinking water scheme supplies. However, in areas where a reticulated drinking water scheme supply is not available, water is obtained from alternative sources.
Rainwater
Fact Sheets
- Country Rainwater Collection
- Emergency Treatment of Drinking Water Supplies
- Urban Rainwater Collection
Rainwater tanks have been used in Western Australia for many years. In parts of the country they are the sole source of drinking water and in metropolitan areas serviced by a scheme drinking water supplies they can also provide a valuable alternate resource.
Rainwater tanks come in a variety of shapes and sizes, colours and profiles. However, all will safely store water for long periods of time providing you follow some simple procedures that are contained in the two pamphlets below.
Urban Rainwater Collection
Rainwater collected in metropolitan areas may be subjected to an increased risk of pollution by airborne chemical and microbiological contamination. The Urban Rainwater Collection pamphlet provides a guide to identifying the potential sources of contamination and how to reduce their impact on the water that you collect.
Country Rainwater Collection
The Country Rainwater Collection pamphlet provides specific advice to those who are totally reliant on rainwater for all domestic needs. It also contains useful sources of information to enable you to plan and build the appropriate size roof and tank combination to maximize water collection and storage.
Regular maintenance is the key to good water quality. Installing and maintaining screens, filters and first flush devices will reduce the risk to your health.
Rainwater tanks are included in the Government Waterwise Rebate Program. To find out if you are eligible to claim a rebate contact the Department of Water or call 13 10 39.
To calculate your domestic water usage go to the Waterwise calculator website.
To determine the most suitable size roof and rainwater tank combination for your domestic needs go to: Department of Agriculture Farmnote (No 64/2004): Rainwater Tanks.
For further information contact the Environmental Health Directorate on (08) 9388 4999 or email ehinfo@health.wa.gov.au
Related Documents
Environmental waters
The Shire of Augusta Margaret River has some of the most pristine and beautiful swimming locations in Australia. However, like many resources our waterways have been subject to pressure from population growth and human activity for many years. Such pressures may cause once pristine waterways to be polluted, making them unsuitable for swimming.
As a water user in WA it is important for you to be aware of the common health risks associated with environment water bodies such as our rivers, estuaries and coastal waters because you are the best person to make a judgement if it is safe to swim at a particular swimming spot at a particular time.
WA Health has information on common health risks associated with environmental waters in WA including:
For more information contact:
Brad Roberts, Environmental Assistant
- Hours
- Mon - Fri: 8.00am to 4.30pm
- Telephone
- 08 9780 5245
- Fax
- 08 9757 2512