Gosford City Council has been Highly Commended in the prestigious Keep Australia Beautiful Sustainable Cities Awards for its achievements in water conservation.

The Sustainable Cities program recognises outstanding environmental initiatives implemented by local government authorities, schools and community groups and businesses whilst raising public awareness of a range of environmental issues affecting metropolitan NSW.

Council was highly commended in the Grundfos Water Conservation Award for its Integrated Water Management Program (IWMP), which consists of a range of water saving measures designed to significantly reduce the use of town water.

Mayor of Gosford City, Chris Holstein said the award recognises the hard work, dedication and commitment of Council to reduce demand for town water in both Council facilities and in the local community.

Council's submission included seven programs covering approximately 130 individual projects, said Mayor Holstein.

"Together these projects are saving as much as 2121 million litres of water per year.

"Key initiatives under the program include water recycling, rainwater and stormwater harvesting, accessing groundwater, water audits, efficiency upgrades and community education.

"A major project has been the construction of water recycling plants at Kincumber and Woy Woy Wastewater Treatment Plants.

"With the capacity to produce over 460 million litres of tertiary treated recycled water per year, these plants provide a permanent long term water savings for our region.

"Recycled water is used across the city for activities such as irrigation, dust suppression, landscaping and construction works, greatly reducing the demand on the Central Coast drinking water supply", said Mayor Holstein.

The program also incorporates a comprehensive water educational component which engages key stakeholders and promotes water saving messages through regular school visits, advertising and community events.

"Ensuring the community is well educated and informed on water conservation issues encourages residents to take ownership of their personal water management", said Mayor Holstein.

"Our community has embraced the water saving message with water conservation now part of every day life and residential demand for town water remaining low irrespective of the level of water restrictions.

"Council has worked closely with local business conducting water audits and developing Water Management Plans for large users", said Mayor Holstein.

Clr Holstein congratulated staff involved in the development and implementation of the award winning Integrated Water Management Program.

"This is the second prestigious award Council has received in recent weeks.

"I would like to take the opportunity to thank and congratulate Council staff and the community for their efforts in delivering sustainable solutions to meet our ongoing water supply needs", said Mayor Holstein.

These projects exclude joint initiatives undertaken by Gosford City and Wyong Shire Councils.

Together Gosford City and Wyong Shire Council have reduced demand across the Central Coast by as much as 32 per cent through demand reductions, system upgrades and accessing additional water sources.