Local organisations Durack Institute of Technology and NazarethCare Geraldton have both been named Water Corporation champions at the Water Efficiency Management Plan (WEMP) awards. Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has congratulated two local organisations after receiving the accolade, with both having won platinum or gold awards for two consecutive years .

Mr Blayney said they were to be commended for their water efficiency and conservation measures resulting in both being awarded Champion status this year.

He said to receive such an achievement two years running is outstanding and is a demonstration of the kind of water efficiencies that make a real difference.

The WEMP program assists businesses which use more than 20 million litres of drinking water per year to reduce water use.

Overall businesses participating in the Water Corporation’s Water Efficiency Management Plan program saved 13 billion litres of water in 2012-13.

In 2012-13, 339 WA businesses collectively saved 13 billion litres of precious drinking water, which is the equivalent of almost 6,000 Olympic sized swimming pools.

Mr Blayney said the savings illustrate the business community’s commitment to Western Australia’s water future.

The Water Corporation’s WEMP program, which has been supported by Department of Water since its inception, has saved 31.5 billion litres of water since it began in 2007. Through the program businesses make permanent changes to their operations, which continue to deliver savings in the long-term.

Thirty two companies received a Champion Awards, Platinum Awards (for more than 50 per cent improvement in water efficiency) were presented to 12 businesses and Gold Awards (for 35-50 per cent improvement) were awarded to 29 businesses.

A total of 37 businesses received Silver Awards (25-35 per cent improvement) and 64 will receive Bronze Awards (10-25 per cent improvement).