Residents in over 300 Australian suburbs have been warned against defying a gardening rule with on-the-spot fines of $100.
In both Perth and Mandurah in Western Australia, those ignoring watering restrictions to keep their grass green and lush have been accused of “wasting bucketloads” of vital water.
Violations in Perth have risen by 27 per cent in the last year, prompting the Water Corporation to remind residents of their duty to preserve water in the arid Mediterranean climate, where water can be scarce.
For four years now, residents in the city have been banned from watering their gardens more than two rostered days a week.
Watering on the wrong days or breaching sprinkler restrictions typically results in an on-the-spot $100 fine. Last year, inspectors handed out 745 fines, up from 585 the previous year.
According to the Water Corporation, Perth is facing a declining supply of water.
“Overwhelmingly, Western Australians heed the waterwise message, but with demand rising and rainfall continuing to decrease, it’s essential we keep living that message every day,” Water Corporation General Manager of Customer and Community, Karen Willis, said.
Residents in over 300 suburbs have been called on to do the right thing. Source: Getty
While desalination programs are helping sustain Perth’s water supply, she said it’s not a licence to waste water.
“That means getting back to basics of shorter showers, fixing leaks, sticking to the sprinkler roster, and generally ensuring we’re still treating water like the precious resource it is.
“Seemingly small waterwise changes at a household level make a huge difference across the community and help ensure collective water security into the future.”
Using sprinklers just one extra day a week uses about 3,132 litres of water a month, the equivalent of 348 bucketloads, as highlighted through the campaign.
What are the rules across Australia?
Across the country, states and territories deal with water restrictions differently depending on the climate.
In NSW, Water Wise Guidelines are in place, while in Victoria, Permanent Water Saving Rules are in place — a set of “common sense rules” to ensure water is used efficiently.
In South Australia, watering is permitted at any time by hand (through a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, from a watering can or bucket) or through a drip-feed irrigation system. Sprinklers can be used on any day after 5pm and before 10am.
Northern Territory and Queensland have no restrictions.
Cyclone Narelle cyclone tracking along the west coast. Picture: BOM
Aussies urged to switch off sprinklers as Cyclone Narelle looms
This week, households have been urged to switch off their sprinklers completely as heavy rainfall is set to batter the region as Cyclone Narelle tracks south along the Western Australian coast. The southwest region is expecting 100 millimetres or more of rain.
Water Corporation is estimating more than 500 million litres of water could be saved by turning off pre-programmed garden reticulation.
“Gardens make up 30-40 per cent of household water use, and opportunities to achieve significant water savings outside winter are increasingly rare, so this weekend really matters,” said demand delivery manager Damien Postma.
The downpour should provide enough moisture to sustain lawns and gardens for several days.
“As it’s expected to pour for four days straight, most households could skip both sprinkler days this week,” he said.
“Make the most of the rain by moving potted plants out from under patios or eaves so they get a good drink too.”
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