Aquatic centre praised for water efficiency

After months of public scrutiny following multiple pool closures and equipment failures, the South Hedland Aquatic Centre has received some good news after being recognised by the Government's Water Efficiency Management Plan program.

The Town of Port Hedland’s facility in South Hedland was one of 16 businesses to achieve a 35-50 per cent improvement in water use efficiency and was among 12 “Waterwise Champions” for achieving an improvement in water efficiency of at least 35 per cent for two consecutive years.

While some might find it ironic that a pool which spent many weeks closed for maintenance repairs has won a water efficiency award, the Town of Port Hedland’s acting chief executive Chris Linnell said the pool closures had minimal impact on the facility’s water saving efforts.

“The Town of Port Hedland is delighted that South Hedland Aquatic Centre has been recognised for its participation in the WEMP program and acknowledge YMCA WA in achieving a 35 per cent or greater improvement in water efficiency for two consecutive years at the centre,” he said.

“Water efficiency is measured by a kilolitre per patron usage which means that variances from the closure of our pools for maintenance are minimal.

“For 2014/15 a total of 0.21kL per patron was recorded compared to 0.26kL/patron in 2013/14.”

Mr Linnell said SHAC’s water savings had been achieved through various measures including reduced reticulation times and frequency.

“The Town of Port Hedland and YMCA are also examining further measures for greater water efficiency including the possible installation of water saving shower heads to be installed at both Centre’s and data log information being made available through the water mains at South Hedland Aquatic Centre,” he said.

Water Minister Mia Davies congratulated WA’s top water saving businesses for saving more than 14 billion litres of water in 2014-15, the equivalent of more than 6,200 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

"I congratulate the WEMP program participants for their commitment to water efficiency, particularly 21 of those which were recognised today for achieving savings in excess of 35 per cent," she said.

"Many businesses have now been part of the program for seven years and it is great to see them continue to explore new and innovative ways to save our most precious resource.

"These businesses - like households - are making changes to the way they operate to save water and money."

The WEMP program has contributed to more than 60 billion litres of water being saved since it began in 2007.

There were four other Pilbara businesses recognised in the WEMP awards, including Mia Mia House In The Desert, BHP Billiton Iron Ore Port Operations, Rio Tinto Dampier Salt Limited Port Hedland and Rio Tinto Iron Ore - Dampier.