Our water saving projects

How we're saving water

Water is a precious resource that we can all help conserve. We've implemented a range of projects to use water more efficiently.

In our buildings and amenities blocks we've:

  • replaced fittings with water efficient ones and
  • installed rainwater tanks.

In our gardens, reserves and fields we:

  • use bore water for irrigation at suitable sites
  • install low flow drip irrigation and smart irrigation systems into new landscaped areas
  • use local native plants and other drought tolerant species
  • mulch our garden beds
  • protect outdoor taps from inappropriate use
  • review irrigation needs for sports fields
  • use smart monitoring to identify and respond to leaks and faults

In our new infrastructure projects we:

  • incorporate water sensitive urban design elements.

Combined, these actions have reduced Council’s annual drinking water usage by over 79,000 kilolitres. This represents a saving of 70% and demonstrates our commitment to reducing water consumption.

Rainwater harvesting

Rainwater harvesting involves collecting rainwater from roof tops, storing the water in tanks and using it for irrigation, watering gardens and flushing toilets.

Collecting and using rain water helps Council reduce its reliance on clean drinking water and helps reduce the impact of stormwater runoff on roads, parks and drainage infrastructure.

Woollahra Council has rainwater tanks installed at 24 Council sites with total rainwater capture and reuse capacity over 430,000 litres.

Rainwater tanks reduce water costs and stormwater runoff, and help improve the water quality of our local creeks and harbour.

Saving water at Holdsworth Community Centre

Water Tank_Holdsworth_525.jpg

We installed rainwater tanks and waterless urinals at the Holdsworth Community Centre and a water wise organic garden at Holdsworth Communal Garden, saving 700,000 litres of water annually. This project received support through NSW Government's Climate Change Fund

Stormwater harvesting

Stormwater harvesting and reuse is the collection, treatment, storage and use of stormwater run-off from urban areas. It differs from rainwater harvesting as the run-off is collected from drains or creeks, rather than roofs.

We have stormwater harvesting projects in a range of locations to reduce our use of drinking water by using the recycled water to water public parks, gardens, and sports fields.

Stormwater harvesting also reduces stress on our local streams and creeks by capturing some of the pollutants and nutrients that would otherwise enter waterways from stormwater flows.

Harvesting stormwater at Christison Park

Due to the exposed and windy headland location Christison Park is one of our top 10 water using fields. To ensure consistent irrigation to the sports fields and reduce our use of potable water, we've installed two large water tanks near the amenities/grandstand building. The 55kL tank has been installed for many years and a larger 107kL tank was installed in 2025, both storing water from our on-site stormwater harvesting system. 

large water tank near playing field

Smart Monitoring

We use live monitoring at our highest water using sites to ensure quick detection and action for leaks, faults, and misused taps. 

Reporting water leaks

  • If you spot a leak on public land you can report it through Sydney Water
  • If you find a leak in your home or garden you need to contact a licensed plumber.
  • You can also contact Sydney Water's WaterFix Residential service to fix leaking taps, toilets and showerheads.

Floodplain Management

We have comprehensive floodplain studies available for the Rushcutters Bay, Double Bay, Rose Bay, Paddington and Watsons Bay catchments. Our Floodplain Risk Management Committee will be undertaking a flood study for Vaucluse.

 Find out more about floodplain management.

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