The Water Corporation has advised households and businesses to save more water during the annual winter sprinkler switch-off, now in force.
The switch-off is a permanent water efficiency initiative requiring scheme and bore users to turn off garden reticulation from 1 June to 31 August, helping save water for when it is needed most.
In a statement, the Corporation said this simple, yet effective measure helped save more than five billion litres of water each year.
“This is important when you consider average rainfall in Perth has declined by around 20 per cent since the 1970s, leading to an 80 per cent reduction in stream-flow to metropolitan dams,” the statement said.
“Adopting water-saving practices inside and outside the home is crucial as the State continues to adapt to the impacts of climate change on water supply.”
A recent survey by the Water Corporation found around 80 per cent of customers switched off their sprinklers in winter.
“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,” the statement said.
Hand watering is permitted during the switch-off and some exemptions may also apply. In areas of Western Australia not subject to the switch-off, normal watering rosters and daytime sprinkler bans apply.
