Councils in Western Australia are taking action to conserve water in their communities.

WA Water Minister Graham Jacobs announced on Thursday five new participants in the Waterwise Council program.

The cities of Melville, Joondalup and Subiaco, along with the shires of Capel and Serpentine Jarrahdale, are the latest councils to sign up to the program.

The Waterwise Council program was developed by the Department of Water and the Water Corporation, in partnership with ICLEI.

Mr Jacobs said participating councils have already made a number of changes in water management, including the use of groundwater resources for public spaces.

“Councils are major water users and by committing to this program they can make a real difference to the built and natural environment they represent,” Mr Jacobs said in a statement.

The Minister presented certificates to the five new Waterwise Councils at a ICLEI breakfast in Perth.

“To achieve Waterwise Council status, these councils have established plans of action toward defined, concrete, measurable targets; they have worked toward meeting these targets through the implementation of projects; and evaluated local and cumulative progress towards sustainable use of water.”

There are currently 34 local governments participating in the Waterwise Council program.