The Water Campaign™ is an international freshwater management program which builds the capacity of local government to reduce water consumption and improve local water quality.  The campaign methodology provides a standardised process for water conservation and water quality improvement, and for monitoring, measuring and reporting performance.  The Australian campaign is recognised as the only local government water program in the country.

The Water Campaign™ Australia is delivered in collaboration with ICLEI's various Australian partners, including the Australian Government and the Government of Western Australia, among others.

The City of South Perth has been involved in the Water Campaign™ since its commitment to the campaign through the City’s resolution on the 24th of August 2004.  Milestone 1 was achieved on the 16th May 2005, and in the following year, Milestone 2 was completed on the 26th April 2006. Currently the City of South Perth is progressing through Milestone 3 of the Water Campaign, drafting the Water Action Plan Report to address water management issues within the corporate and community sector.

The basis of the report is the presentation of the Water Action Plan (WAP) which sets out the approach that the City of South Perth can take to reduce its scheme (potable) water consumption and improve water quality by the year 2012.  This improvement is measured from a base year of 2002/03 levels by an overall planned 50% by 2012, whilst also addressing groundwater consumption within Council operations.

This aim of reducing water consumption and improving water quality can be achieved through the implementation of practical and effective measures to manage the City’s water resources in both the corporate and community sectors.

The endorsement of this strategic report by the City will accomplish Milestone 3 of the Water Campaign™.

The City’s progress through the Water Campaign™ is managed by the Water Team which meets quarterly or as required to progress Milestones and respond to the City’s Water management issues. The Water Team is made up of the City of South Perth’s staff from a wide range of disciplines selected for their professional knowledge and experience in South Perth and Water Campaign™ consultants.  This team facilitates the City’s Water Campaign™ progress, provides technical support and assistance in the progression of the Water Campaign™.

The City’s consumption of potable (scheme) water is currently published in a quarterly Planet Footprint report which is available from the City’s sustainability website.