Perth, Western Australia is renowned for its stunning coastline, and warm climate. However, in recent years, water scarcity has become a pressing issue for the region. As a result, the Water Corporation has implemented a range of water-saving measures to ensure the sustainable use of this precious resource. One of these measures is the implementation of allocated two watering days for scheme and bore water users. In this blog post, we will discuss the watering days in Perth in accordance with the Water Corporation guidelines (more information can be found at www.watercorporation.com.au/Waterwise).
Summer Watering Restrictions
Rostered watering days are designed to help Perth homeowners use water more efficiently while still maintaining their gardens and outdoor spaces. By following these guidelines, you can contribute to water conservation efforts and help preserve our environment for future generations.
To determine your watering days in Perth (and Mandurah), you must consider two factors: the last digit of your house number or property's street number and the designated watering day set out in the table below.
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Watering days Perth and Mandurah - Scheme water users
Those living in Perth, Mandurah and towns south of and including Kalbarri and Kalgoorlie can use their reticulation systems once on each of their 2 allocated watering days, either before 9am or after 6pm, based on the last digit of their house/building number.
Watering days Perth and Mandurah - Bore water users
As of September 1st 2022 the state government changed the garden bore users sprinkler roster days by removing one day. This aligns garden bore water users with scheme water users as to their allocated days.
Winter Sprinkler Switch-off Regulations
During the winter months (June 1 to August 31), no watering is allowed for any residential properties. This period is when natural rainfall is usually sufficient for gardens and landscapes.
Do councils/local governments need to switch off sprinklers in Winter?
Yes. The winter switch-off regulations apply to licensed groundwater users such as local government, schools, golf courses, government departments, universities, TAFE campuses, major parks, race grounds and businesses that irrigate areas of non-commercial turf, lawn and gardens.
Exceptions to this are active sporting fields, such as schools and local government ovals, which are permitted to irrigate during winter due to their frequent use and safety considerations.
Watering Exemptions
Watering exemptions are available for homeowners looking to establish a new lawn or new garden.
A temporary exemption will allow you to run your own reticulation system, outside the watering days and time restrictions to help it establish.
When to apply for a watering exemption
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Only apply for a exemption on the day your new lawn or garden is installed
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Exemptions commence the day the lawn or garden is installed
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If you have already installed your lawn or garden you can still apply for the remainder of the period from the date of install.
How to apply for a watering exemption
You can apply for a watering exemption online through the Water Corporation website or by clicking the link below
What can I do to maximise my watering days?
Making your sprinkler system more effective not only saves water but also ensures that your plants receive the right amount of water and environmental regulation that they need to thrive. Here are four tips to improve the effectiveness of your home sprinkler system:
1. Regular Maintenance and Inspection
Perform routine inspections and maintenance on your sprinkler system to ensure it's working at peak efficiency. Check for leaks, broken or clogged sprinkler heads, and any other issues that could lead to water waste. Replace or repair damaged components as needed to keep your system in top working condition. If you aren't confident in tackling it yourself you can engage a specialist technician through our website - Book a service online.
2. Use the Right Sprinkler Heads
Choose the appropriate sprinkler head type for your garden's specific needs. There are various types of sprinkler heads, such as spray heads, rotary nozzles, and drip irrigation emitters. Each type has its advantages and is suitable for different plants and garden layouts. By selecting the right sprinkler head, you can ensure efficient water distribution and minimise water waste.
3. Optimal Watering Times
Watering during the early morning or late evening reduces water loss through evaporation. These cooler times of the day are ideal for watering your garden, as it allows the water to penetrate the soil and reach plant roots before evaporating. Avoiding your sprinkler rosters from watering during the hottest parts of the day or when it's windy, as this can lead to significant water waste.
4. Install a Smart Irrigation Controller
A smart irrigation controller can help optimise your sprinkler system's efficiency by automatically adjusting watering schedules based on factors such as weather data, soil moisture levels, and plant water requirements. These devices can help save water by ensuring that your garden receives the right amount of water at the right time, reducing water waste and promoting healthy plant growth. Check out our smart irrigation controller range online.
FAQ
How long can I water for on my watering days?
As different sprinklers emit water at different rates there is no restriction on run time however, the recommended application rate is 10mm per run cycle. An example of this is pop up sprinkler spray nozzles generally emit water at 40mm per hour of run time therefore you would run the station for 15 minutes.
What days can I water if I live in a unit/apartment?
If you live in a complex with lot number of units/apartments, you simply use the building number as the reference e.g., Unit 5/10 Nowhere Terrace will have watering days of Monday and Friday using the last digit of the building number (0) as reference.
What are the penalties for watering outside your watering days or during the Winter sprinkler switch-off?
Anyone in the Winter Sprinkler Switch-off area spotted using their sprinklers between 1 June and 31 August or outside their watering days risks spot fines of $100.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding and following the allocated watering days in Perth is an essential step towards water conservation in the region. By doing so, we can all contribute to a more sustainable and water-wise future.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this publication is intended as a guide only. No one should rely upon the information contained in this publication without appropriate professional advice regarding relevant factors specific to your situation.
