Households and businesses in Perth, Peel and parts of the South-West and Great Southern have been reminded they should have switched-off their garden irrigation on Wednesday of this week (1 June) to help save around five billion litres of precious water.
Minister for Water, Dave Kelly issued the reminder saying the area’s the Winter Sprinkler Switch-off ban was introduced as a permanent measure in 2010 to run to 31 August and had saved 55 billion litres of water so far.
“Adopting water-saving practices inside and outside the home is vital as the State continues to adapt to the impacts of climate change on rainfall,” Mr Kelly said.
“While Perth received a drenching last winter, long-term average rainfall has declined by around 20 per cent since the 1970s, leading to an 80 per cent reduction in streamflow to metropolitan dams,” he said.
“Using sprinklers during the switch-off can result in a $100 fine if witnessed by a Water Corporation inspector, or a written warning if reported by a member of the public.”
Mr Kelly said the switch-off applies to scheme and bore water users in addition to many licensed groundwater users.
“Hand watering and some exemptions apply,” he said.
“In areas of the State not subject to the ban, normal watering rosters and the daytime sprinkler ban still apply.”
Householders can find out if they are included in the switch-off at this PS News link and details on how the switch-off applies to bore and licensed water users at this link.
