A trial two month winter sprinkler ban commenced on July 1, 2009 and concludes 31 August, 2009.
The trial is jointly managed by the department and the Water Corporation at the request of the Water Minister Dr Graham Jacobs.
The trial includes residential garden bores subject to the three day watering roster outlined below and groundwater licensees such as local government, the Education Department, Main Roads and Sport and Recreation.
Restrictions for garden bores
Groundwater is precious and we should all use it wisely. That is why the use of household garden bore sprinklers during the day is prohibited. It is to save water from evaporation during the heat of the day.
In the Perth region, the coastal plain from Two Rocks to Lake Clifton, you may only use your garden bore on your watering days and you should only do so once on that day. You may turn on your garden bore sprinklers before 9am or after 6pm (excluding during the winter ban period).
Garden bores are generally a better alternative to scheme water for gardens, but we still need to use our groundwater responsibly. For most people, this will simply mean checking and perhaps adjusting your timers.
Garden reticulation design is very important so that it is efficient and includes the most suitable sprinkler systems.
Remember the average garden only needs to be watered for about 15 minutes, two times a week in the middle of summer. Surveys show that many garden bore owners use much more water than their garden needs.
Penalties for not doing the right thing
Anyone found using garden bore sprinklers between 9am and 6pm, or for the Perth region on their non-allocated day, can be fined $100, although offenders will first be given a written warning.
Exemptions to the rules
If you are establishing a new lawn, you may water with sprinklers during the day for the first 28 days.
Neighbours sharing a bore are able to use it either according to the days allocated to their house number or on the same day of their neighbour's allocated watering days (but not both).
If you would like to report a case of a garden bore being used after 9am and before 6pm, or in the Perth region non-compliance with the days of the week watering, please telephone 13 10 39.
More information
If you need more information about the water efficiency measures for garden bores, please ring us on 1800 508 885 and select option 2.