Many local governments draw groundwater from aquifers that are close to reaching their sustainable limit. A predicted drying climate, particularly in the South West of the state, means councils may face impacts on community assets such as parks and gardens due to uncertain water availability.
The Department of Water has worked with Perth metropolitan and some country councils to develop water conservation plans. The plans assisted with conserving groundwater and improving irrigation practices. The planning process required councils to measure current water use for irrigation, review their irrigated park areas and develop strategies to improve water conservation and efficiency.
The aim of the water conservation plans is for local governments to maintain the usefulness and attractions of public open space, while being more efficient in their use of groundwater.
Local governments can conserve water and improve efficiency in many ways:
- improved irrigation systems and scheduling practices
- improved turf maintenance practices
- reducing irrigated areas
- accurately measuring and recording water use
- using low water-use plants
- minimising evaporation loss by adhering to the daytime sprinkler ban
- considering the use of recycled water to irrigate public open space.
For further information contact: efficiency@water.wa.gov.au