Overview
Stormwater is urban surface water runoff from rain events.
Availability
In areas such as the sandy soils of the Swan coastal plain, rainfall and resultant stormwater naturally recharges the superficial aquifer. The Department of Water encourages infiltration of small rainfall events at or near source as a primary means of urban stormwater management to maintain the site water balance as close as possible to its pre-development hydrology.
Harvesting large quantities of stormwater for use as a water source (e.g. to irrigate public open space or for non-drinking uses in new residential developments, may be limited to:
- high-density development or commercial areas
- areas with limited infiltration potential (due to high groundwater levels or less permeable soils) or
- areas with existing large-scale stormwater discharge systems (such as traditional drains or large sumps).
Alternative water supply map
The Water Corporation has developed an interactive alternative water supply map of the corporation's main sewer and drainage reticulation, wastewater treatment plants and sewer pump stations. These locations provide potential non-drinking water source options in the Perth metropolitan area. For information, contact the Development Services branch on (08) 9420 2105 or visit the Water Corporation H2Options 'Guide to alternative water supplies for developers' website.