We're being reminded to switch off our irrigation systems as the three month sprinkler ban begins tomorrow.
The Water Corporation wants households, businesses and councils to switch off garden sprinklers to help save billions of litres of water.
From tomorrow residents in Mandurah, Perth, parts of the South West and Great Southern regions will need to switch off sprinkler systems until August 31.
Water Corporation spokesperson Clare Lugar said during winter many lawn varieties grown in Perth were dormant, and evaporation rates and temperatures were generally lower, so gardens do not need extra watering.
“Last year, the simple act of turning our sprinklers off for winter saved enough water to fill Optus Stadium to the roof five times,” she said.
All scheme and domestic bore water users need to switch-off sprinklers, fed by both automatic irrigation and garden hoses. Hand watering is still permitted.
Water Minister Dave Kelly said it was important for West Australians to save water in the three months of winter.
"Climate change continues to impact our water supplies in the south-west of Western Australia, and we all have a responsibility to do our bit to save water," he said.
"From as far south as Albany, throughout the South-West and across Perth, it simply doesn't rain as much as it used to.
"Since 1996, rainfall between May and July has declined by 25 per cent from the long-term average.
"Now it's raining, turning sprinklers off for winter is one of the simplest ways to save water when the garden doesn't need it, and will also help to save money on water bills."
The Winter Sprinkler Switch-off also applies to many licensed groundwater users that irrigate areas of non-commercial turf, lawn and gardens.
Groundwater licence conditions may allow for the watering of active sporting areas to maintain safe use, for bore maintenance and to establish new lawns and gardens for a limited period.
Ignoring the Winter Sprinkler Switch-off can result in a $100 fine if witnessed by a Water Corporation Water Efficiency Inspector, or a written warning if reported by a member of the public.
In areas not subject to the switch-off, normal watering rosters and the daytime sprinkler ban still apply.
The following areas will need to switch off sprinklers from tomorrow.
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