As the capital of Western Australia, Perth experiences a hot Mediterranean climate characterized by long, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This unique climate necessitates responsible water use to preserve the city’s limited water resources. To address this, Perth has implemented a roster of watering days to help residents and businesses manage their outdoor water use effectively while maintaining lush gardens and green spaces.
In this article, we’ll explore the watering day system, how it works, why it’s important, and tips to make the most of your allocated watering days.
Understanding Perth’s Watering Day System
Perth’s watering day system is part of a state-wide effort to conserve water and ensure sustainable water usage for future generations. It applies to all households, businesses, and properties with scheme water and bore water systems. The roster is managed by the Water Corporation and aims to balance the need to maintain green spaces with the imperative to conserve water.
How Does It Work?
The watering roster allocates specific days of the week when residents and businesses are permitted to use sprinklers. The schedule is determined based on the last digit of the property’s street number. Properties without a street number, such as corner lots, are assigned a watering day by their local council.
During your assigned watering days, sprinklers can only be used before 9:00 am or after 6:00 pm to reduce water loss from evaporation. Hand-watering using a hose or watering can is permitted at any time, but it must comply with water-wise practices.
When Do Restrictions Apply?
Watering restrictions in Perth are active year-round, with the exception of some exemptions during extremely hot and dry conditions, such as heatwaves. The roster applies to both scheme water and bore water users, although bore water users may have additional allowances for watering.
Watering day restrictions in Perth, Western Australia apply during the summer and winter seasons:
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Summer: From September 1 to May 31, garden bore users can water once a day, either before 9 AM or after 6 PM, on their two designated watering days each week.
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Winter: From June 1 to August 31, there is a permanent winter sprinkler ban that applies to all residential properties.
- The last digit of your house number or property’s street number
- The climatic conditions in the region you live
Why Are Watering Days Important?
Conserving Perth’s Water Resources
Perth relies heavily on groundwater, desalination plants, and rainfall catchments for its water supply. With climate change contributing to reduced rainfall and rising temperatures, the city’s water resources are under increasing strain. By adhering to watering days, residents help alleviate pressure on these systems, ensuring sustainable water access for future generations.
Protecting the Environment
Overuse of water can lead to the depletion of groundwater reserves, causing detrimental effects on ecosystems, such as wetlands and natural vegetation. Watering restrictions encourage responsible water use, helping to preserve the local environment.
Supporting Sustainable Practices
Watering days encourage homeowners and businesses to adopt sustainable landscaping and gardening practices, such as planting native or drought-resistant species and using efficient irrigation systems. These changes not only conserve water but also reduce maintenance costs and improve the resilience of green spaces.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Watering Days
To maximize the efficiency of your allocated watering days, consider these practical tips:
1. Install Efficient Irrigation Systems
Drip irrigation systems are an excellent alternative to traditional sprinklers. They deliver water directly to the roots of plants, minimizing evaporation and water wastage.
2. Check Your Sprinklers Regularly
Leaking or misaligned sprinklers can waste significant amounts of water. Regularly inspect your irrigation system for leaks and ensure that sprinklers are targeting the intended areas.
3. Water at the Right Time
Stick to the approved watering hours—before 9:00 am or after 6:00 pm—to minimize water loss due to evaporation. Early morning watering is especially effective, as plants have time to absorb water before the heat of the day sets in.
4. Mulch Your Garden
A layer of mulch around plants helps retain soil moisture, reducing the frequency of watering. Organic mulches, such as wood chips or bark, also improve soil quality as they break down over time.
5. Opt for Native Plants
Western Australian native plants are naturally adapted to the local climate and require less water compared to exotic species. Consider incorporating drought-tolerant varieties like kangaroo paw, grevilleas, and bottlebrush into your garden.
6. Use Water-Saving Products
Invest in water-saving devices, such as soil moisture sensors, rainwater tanks, and trigger nozzles for hoses. These tools help monitor and optimize water usage.
Exemptions and Special Cases
New Lawns and Gardens
If you’ve recently planted a new lawn or garden, you may be eligible for an exemption that allows additional watering for up to 28 days. Applications for exemptions must be submitted to the Water Corporation, and conditions may apply.
Bore Water Users
While bore water users are also subject to watering restrictions, they are often granted additional watering days due to the use of groundwater. However, it’s crucial to use bore water responsibly to avoid over-extraction and environmental damage.
Special Needs
Properties with special needs, such as nurseries, sporting grounds, or community gardens, may apply for exemptions or variations to the watering roster. These applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Enforcement and Penalties
Watering restrictions are legally enforceable in Perth, and non-compliance can result in fines. Water Corporation officers conduct regular inspections and respond to reports of breaches from the community.
For first-time offenders, a warning may be issued. Repeat offences or serious breaches can attract fines ranging from $100 for residential properties to $500 for businesses.
Watering Days Schedule (Example)
Here’s a sample of how the watering days might be allocated based on the last digit of your street number:
- 0 or 1: Monday and Thursday
- 2 or 3: Tuesday and Friday
- 4 or 5: Wednesday and Saturday
- 6 or 7: Thursday and Sunday
- 8 or 9: Friday and Sunday
Check the Water Corporation’s website or contact your local council for the latest schedule applicable to your property.
Water-Wise Gardening: Going Beyond Watering Days
While adhering to watering days is crucial, adopting water-wise gardening techniques can further enhance your efforts to conserve water and maintain a vibrant garden.
Group Plants by Water Needs
Plant species with similar water requirements together to ensure efficient watering. This method, known as hydrozoning, minimizes overwatering and wastage.
Install Rainwater Harvesting Systems
Rainwater tanks are an excellent way to supplement your water supply for garden use. Harvested rainwater can be used during non-watering days, reducing reliance on scheme water.
Use Greywater
Treated greywater from laundry or bathroom sources can be safely used for irrigation. Ensure your greywater system complies with local regulations before installation.
Conclusion
Watering days in Perth are an essential measure to manage the city’s precious water resources responsibly. By adhering to the roster, using water efficiently, and adopting sustainable gardening practices, residents and businesses can contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for the region.
For more information about watering restrictions and exemptions, visit the Water Corporation website or contact your local council. Together, we can help preserve Perth’s water resources while maintaining beautiful, thriving gardens.
