Dry Season Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Scheme water & domestic bore users
Licensed groundwater & surface water users
Self supply domestic users – outer metropolitan
Self supply users – Rural areas
Environment
Other questions

Scheme water and domestic bore users

1. What sprinkler restrictions are there for summer?

The 9am – 6pm sprinkler ban remains in place for all scheme and garden bore users throughout the state.

In Perth

On 1 December the 2 day per week sprinkler roster for scheme water users in the Perth / Mandurah areas will resume. Garden bore users will continue to be on the 3 day per week roster.

In the South West including Albany

On 1 December the 2 day per week sprinkler roster for scheme water users in most parts of the South West will resume.

The exceptions to this are the towns of:

Kirup
Mullalyup
Balingup
Greenbushes.

These towns will continue the 1 day per week sprinkler restrictions for scheme water users. Additional towns in the South-West may have increased sprinkler restrictions imposed over summer.

Garden bore users in the South West including Albany can use their sprinklers once per day, outside the 9am – 6pm sprinkler ban.

All other areas of the State are on their regular sprinkler rosters. This is the 2 day per week roster for Kalbarri, Geraldton and southern parts of the State and the alternative day roster scheme for water users in the north of the state. Garden bore users in this area can use their sprinklers once per day, outside the 9am – 6pm sprinkler ban.

2. With such limited rainfall, why aren't the one–day per week sprinkler roster continuing?

Increased restrictions over summer would result in a significant loss of green spaces and investment in gardens. There would also be a highly adverse impact on several industries, in particular the nursery, garden and tourism industries.

The Government is encouraging all water users to improve water savings and garden resilience in dry conditions and to prepare for future sprinkler restrictions. This includes simple measures such as mulching, adding wetting agents and planting waterwise and heat tolerant plants.

The Government also encourages garden bore installation in areas where they are suitable. (refer to Perth Groundwater Atlas)

3. Is hand watering allowed?

Yes, while hand watering is allowed at any time, it is recommended that it takes place before 9am or after 6pm when evaporation rates are low and plants will receive the most benefit from the water. Frequently hand watering a garden is not recommended as this encourages plants to develop shallow root systems which in turn makes the plants vulnerable to hot day time temperatures.

4. Does the 9am to 6pm day time sprinkler ban time still apply for the restrictions?

Yes, and these times apply throughout the State to both scheme water uses and garden bore users.

5. Are there time limits for watering?

As a general rule 10 minutes watering is sufficient for most gardens watered twice a week during summer however this is dependent upon the irrigation system you have. One standard watering of 10mm is sufficient for most gardens and we recommend that you test your system to determine this time. By using a cup marked to 10mm, the time taken to deliver a standard watering can be determined, and the sprinkler system set to this time limit.

Overwatering gardens not only wastes water and money, but it encourages fungal growth on plants, causes water logging and root rot, and leaches nutrients out of the soil.

6. How long will the current sprinkler restrictions last?

The summer sprinkler roster will be in place until the end of March. The Minister for Water will review the water situation and determine what levels of sprinkler restrictions are necessary for Autumn.

Some towns in the South-West experiencing water shortages may have tougher sprinkler restrictions imposed during summer, depending on water consumption rates.

7. Why is the last digit of your house number used?

We have chosen this method to spread the use of sprinklers through seven days of the week. This is critical to ensure that groundwater production and treatment is geographically distributed throughout the week.

8. How much is the penalty?

The infringement penalty is $100 but if taken to court a maximum fine of $500 is the penalty.

9. Do businesses and other organisations need to abide by these restrictions?

The sprinkler restrictions apply to the gardens of all scheme water users and garden bore users. If businesses have a water licence, they must abide by the conditions of their licence.

10. Can people fill swimming pools?

Yes - you may fill or top-up your swimming as necessary to ensure the proper functioning of the pool. Please remember that in Perth, it is estimated that pools can lose over 10,000 litres of water a month due to evaporation. Using a pool cover prevents 97% of evaporation. Pool blankets are now compulsory for all new pools.

11. Why are bore water users allowed to water more often than scheme water users?

Garden bore users are using a fit-for-purpose water source, whilst scheme water users are using drinking quality water on their gardens. By allowing garden bore users additional watering periods, the Government is encouraging households to use fit-for-purpose water.

12. Are there exemptions for planting a new lawn or garden in spring?

Yes – contact your water service provider on the numbers listed below:

Perth/Mandurah area
Contact the Water Corporation on 13 10 39

South-West area including Albany
For Aqwest (Bunbury Water Board) water users (08) 9780 9500.
If Busselton Water is your water provider (scheme only) (08) 9781 0500.
If Busselton Water is your water provider and you are using garden bore water, contact the Department of Water on 1800 508 885.

For Water Corporation water users call 13 10 39.

13. Are there automatic exemptions?

The following exemptions are granted automatically:-

People in the turf, garden and landscaping industries
Caravan parks or camping ground sites
Lawn tennis courts, turf wickets and bowling greens
Aviaries
Market gardens or plant nurseries
Synthetic sporting grounds
Fire fighting.

14. I am a contractor in the turf or garden or landscaping industry. What rules apply to my business?

We recommend that these people display signs to inform the public that irrigation activities are allowed to be conducted.

People employed in the garden/turf/landscaping industries are allowed to install, repair and test irrigation equipment, apply wetting agents or fertilisers and undertake vertimowing at any time of day. These contractors are expected to reticulate immediately following these procedures. No more than a standard watering (10mm) should be delivered.

15. I have noticed people using their sprinklers inappropriately during the two day restrictions. Who do I contact?

If you think residential houses are mis-using water please contact your water service provider. Please try and record as much detail as possible including the address, time and date of the water mis-use and what you observed.

The Water Corporation, 13 10 39
Aqwest – Bunbury Water Board, (08) 9780 9500
Busselton Water- Busselton Water Board, (08) 9781 0500

Licensed groundwater and surface water users

1. Will there be compensation if I have crop losses/production losses due to lack of water?

The department cannot provide any compensation for any loss (crop, production or otherwise) or other damage that may be experienced due to lack of rainfall. Reduced rainfall means that there is less water recharging our underground aquifers and our streams, therefore it is important that users do not take additional water above their licensed entitlement. Prolonged, excessive abstraction in a drying climate may cause long-term damage to our water resources and the environment.

2. What will happen if I go over my annual entitlement?

If the department is aware that you have gone over your annual entitlement then an investigation may be undertaken regarding your over-use. The investigation and appropriate enforcement action will be taken in accordance with our decision making guidelines and our Draft Enforcement Policy 2010.

3. I think I will go over my water entitlement, what do I have to do to get more water?

You must manage your water within your current allocation and consider all options and efficiency measures available to reduce your water needs.

If you think that you will go over your water entitlement you must notify your local regional office immediately. The department will work together with licensees to encourage and assist compliance for those willing to comply and implement water efficiency and conservation measures as well as measures to cut back on water use where necessary.

Regardless of your situation, you cannot receive additional entitlements in fully allocated areas unless it is through a trade.

4. The department's water application rates are too low for our water needs, what is the department doing about this?

The current application rates were derived from the Department of Agriculture and Food and are currently the basis for all water licenses. It is not the intention of the department to change these rates at present, particularly in these dry conditions.

5. How can I find out if there is water available for transfer/trade in my area?

Information about trading water can be found on our website under ‘Doing Business With Us\Water trading policy and water register'.

Our recently released Operational Policy 5.13: Water Entitlements for Western Australia can be downloaded here.

An on-line water register has been created to assist individuals and businesses to locate licensed water resources around the state. You can access the water register by clicking here.

An application to trade or transfer an entitlement or licence is subject to assessment and approval by the department.

6. What can I do to improve my water efficiency and/or irrigation system?

Consider your current water usage. What is the timing; duration and frequency of your irrigation? Ensure that you are only applying the minimal amount of water required for your needs and apply at times where uptake of water will be most beneficial. To determine your water needs contact your local growers association or Department of Agriculture and Food (see below).

Consider systems efficiencies that can improve water usage. E.g. Soil moisture sensors can be used to determine if the right amount of water is being applied to your soils.

Ensure your irrigation systems are operating effectively. Regularly check for leaks or faults in the lines. Upgrade sprinkler heads or methods of application where appropriate and possible. Consider drip irrigation or other more efficient methods of application.

Consider where you may be able to capture other water sources, e.g. via use of rainwater tanks or grey water systems; or recycling your own water from one process to use on another.

More detailed information regarding irrigation, efficiencies and agriculture can be found on the attached agriculture efficiencies resource paper.

Information regarding water efficiency for LGA's and the community can be found on our website.

7. Will we be contacted if someone is going to be visiting our property?

The department will notify you in advance if an audit, compliance monitoring visit or water use survey is intended for your property, and will arrange for an appropriate time to visit. In addition to these planned visits, regional officers will be in the field visiting properties on an ad-hoc basis to provide advice and speak with licensees. These visits may be unannounced but generally will not include an authorised officer entering a property unless deemed necessary.

8. My neighbour doesn't have a meter on their bore, but I do. What is the department doing about them?

The department requires the metering of bores in accordance with Strategic Policy 5.03 – Metering the taking of water. To download this document click here. Table 1 of this policy lists the thresholds for water metering requirements in Western Australia.

If your neighbour does not have a meter it is possible that their licence was issued prior to implementation of the above metering policy, when our thresholds were higher. When a licence is due for renewal or if an amendment is requested, the usage will be assessed and metering will be implemented in accordance with the policy and specific regional priorities and issues.

9. What is the department doing about Local Government Authorities, domestic users and/or industry?

Local Government Authorities (LGAs)
All metropolitan LGAs and some regional LGAs have been required to develop water conservation plans and operating strategies for their water use. Most LGAs have water licenses for all of their water use and must comply with all of the conditions of these licenses. They are also required to comply with the daytime sprinkler restrictions by not irrigating parks, gardens and recreation areas between the hours of 9am to 6pm, except in the instance of testing and systems maintenance. Some LGAs use scheme water for their Public Open Space areas, and some may operate bores in which case any licence conditions and sprinkler restrictions of that particular area apply. If you have a concern about your LGA's water use, please contact your local government directly or your local Department of Water regional office.

Domestic Users are generally exempt from licensing requirements if they have bores within the water table aquifer. Garden bore users must comply with the daytime sprinkler restrictions and they can only water on the nominated days per week according to their house number and the restrictions imposed on the ‘area' in which they reside. The department and the Water Corporation are continuing to deal with complaints for users that do not comply with the restriction and/or roster, and warning letters and/or infringement notices may be issued. If you notice a domestic user that is not complying with their roster or daytime restriction, then please contact the Water Corporation on 13 10 39.

Industry water usage is subject to the same requirements for compliance as other licensed users. Industrial licensees are required to comply with their annual water entitlements and will be subject to investigations and/or enforcement action if required. The department has been working with industry for a long time to encourage them to implement water conservation and efficiency measures in a bid to reduce their water consumption. In general, industry licensees have more intensive monitoring and metering conditions on their licenses and they are required to comply with all of these conditions.

10. What will the department do if we have another dry winter in 2011?

If WA experience's another dry winter in 2011, the department may have to consider reducing entitlements of licensed users in high risk areas. This would be done with the aim of minimising the impacts on licensees and also on the environment.

If rainfall levels continue to decline, there is going to be significantly less water recharging our groundwater aquifers and far less stream flows within our surface water systems. This means that water levels underground will continue to decline and surface water systems will reduce or cease flowing even earlier than they currently are and use of water at the current licensed entitlements may not be sustainable.

Government, together with all users of water must work together to ensure that our water resources are preserved for the benefit of all users and the environment.

11. Should I be doing anything if my water use is within my licensed entitlement?

If your current water use is within your licensed entitlement then you must continue to monitor your water use during the summer period to ensure that it remains within your entitlement. You should also have a plan in place to ensure continued compliance for the future, in the event that water entitlements are reduced next year.

The department urges all users of our water resources to consider water efficiencies and conservation measures where possible and to plan for more dry years ahead.

Self supply domestic users – outer metropolitan

1. Is water going to be available over summer from shire standpipes?

In most cases shire managed standpipes will remain open as per a normal year. However, due to an expected increased demand for water carting by commercial operators there may be some queuing and delays in accessing standpipes. It is suggested that you contact your local shire to determine which standpipes will be available and if any are allocated primarily to water carting contractors.

2. Can I get access to standpipes to provide water for livestock?

The water from standpipes is generally treated drinking water but if no other water source is available then it would be reasonable for you to take water for livestock. It is recommended that you consult your local shire to determine their position regarding the access of standpipes for livestock water. The Department of Agriculture and Food also has a number of other options available for managing livestock during dry conditions and they can be contacted on (08) 9368 3333.

3. What other sources of water are available to me?

There are limited options available that will provide immediate water supply solutions. Commercial water carting contractors are available in most areas and can deliver water directly to storage points on your property. Sourcing groundwater may be another option but will require investigation and drilling and it should be noted that if you want to establish anything other than a garden bore you may require a licence. Shallow groundwater bores are also likely to be highly unreliable at this point in time. Please note that it is recommended that untreated groundwater should not be consumed by humans. For information regarding groundwater availability it is recommended you visit www.water.wa.gov.au and click on “Water Trading Policy and Register”

4. I want to use water from my farm dam but it now has algae growing on it, is still ok to use?

Dam water may still be able to used, even if it is affected by algae. It generally will, however, require a level of treatment to make it safe. The Department of Agriculture and Food has information regarding the treatments available to control algae; go to www.agric.wa.gov.au and click on “Dealing with the Dry Season”.

Self supply users – Rural areas

1. What options are available to me if my farm water supplies run out?

Your local shire office will be able to provide information about emergency community water supplies within your area.

Commercial farmers who are travelling more than 40 kms in one direction from the farm gate to cart water for livestock purposes may be eligible to apply for a “water deficiency declaration”. Under a declaration the government will meet the cost of line hauling livestock water into a central water carting point to reduce distances required to travel to collect water.

For more information contact your shire office or Rural Water Planning on freecall 1800 780 300.

2. How can I drought proof my farm?

The department provides water supply planning and farm water supply rebates to assist commercial livestock and grain growers in dryland agricultural areas to improve on-farm water supplies. Contact the Rural Water Planning section on freecall 1800 780 300 for more information.

Environment

1. The wetland in my area is drying up – what are you doing about this?

Before a groundwater licence is issued impacts on any groundwater dependant ecosystems within the area are assessed and need to be acceptable. However, in the current dry season impacts on these systems and associated tree deaths may occur. The department has processes in place to minimise these effects as much as possible. We are increasing our level of compliance on licensed users to ensure they remain within their entitlements. We are also taking appropriate enforcement actions on any breaches.

In addition to this we have a comprehensive communications program to ensure all licensed users and the public use water efficiently and conserve water where possible.

Looking after all of our water needs

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