Waterwise winter more important than ever after record low rainfall
• Switching off in winter is more important than ever after low rainfall across southern WA
• Average household water use up by 12 per cent last year
• Lawns and gardens go dormant during winter, needing less water and helping lower bills
• Experts say winter is the perfect time to prepare gardens for summer
After consecutive years of near record low rainfall in southern WA, Western Australians are being reminded of the need to save precious water this winter as lawns go dormant with cooler weather.
The reminder comes ahead of the annual Winter Sprinkler Switch-off, in effect from Sunday 1 June for scheme and bore water users in Perth, Peel, the South West and parts of the Great Southern.
Introduced in 2010, the switch-off is integral to water security of nearly 2.5 million people and helps save around 5 billion litres of water each year.
This year, reducing winter water use is more important than ever, with severe or serious rainfall deficiencies recorded across large parts of southern WA since 2023.
This has driven a 12 per cent increase in household water use across Perth, emphasising the need to conserve water during winter when lawns go dormant and gardens require less moisture.
Damien Postma, Water Corporation Manager of Demand Delivery, said the Winter Sprinkler Switch-off was integral to preparing for increased water use over summer.
“It’s no secret WA is heavily reliant on desalination to meet our water needs, however, this alone is not a silver bullet,” Mr Postma said.
“It’s important we don’t get complacent when it comes to being waterwise because using water efficiently is a fundamental to collective water security – especially given recent climate trends.
“This means we need to make the most of what little rainfall we do receive. In Perth and southern WA, that comes during winter when lawns are dormant and gardens require less water.”
Average rainfall across southern WA has fallen 15-20 per cent since 1970, leading to an 80 per cent reduction in streamflow into Perth dams.
With 36 per cent of household water use occurring outdoors, the simple act of turning off garden reticulation during winter yields significant savings to water consumption and bills.
This year’s switch-off was announced by Water Corporation today alongside the Nursey and Garden Industry of Western Australia (NGIWA), which supports more than 200 nurseries, retail garden centres and related organisation across WA.
NGIWA Executive Officer Lisa Passmore said winter was the perfect time to prepare lawns and gardens for the coming summer.
“As well as increased rain, the cooler weather means lawns and some plants go dormant and don’t need as much water. In fact, we risk overwatering if retic systems are left on,” Ms Passmore said.
“I think everyone understands water is a precious resource in WA, so we need to be smart about how we use it – especially in the garden.
“That means using native, waterwise plants, a good quality wetting agent and making sure gardens are well mulched. Winter is the perfect time to do this as it will help retain soil moisture for as long as possible once the weather warms up.”
The Western Australian Botanic Garden, in the heart of Perth’s iconic Kings Park, displays many of the state’s unique and resilient native plant species, and was the backdrop for today’s announcement.
Director of the Western Australian Botanic Garden Sue McDougall also highlighted the importance of planting waterwise native flora during the cooler months.
“Water is a precious resource, and creating resilient gardens that require little to no irrigation over the warmer months is essential for the future,” Ms McDougall said.
“With extended dry conditions, there is an urgency to look at landscape management practices and plant selection differently. For this reason, we have launched the Kings Park Favourites - a curated range of waterwise native species for both home gardeners and public spaces.”
Penalties do apply to those caught breaching the switch-off, although hand watering is permitted and some exemptions apply.
In addition to scheme and bore water users, the switch-off also applies to many licensed groundwater users. In areas of WA not subject to the ban, normal watering rosters and the daytime sprinkler ban still apply.
Find out which areas are included by visiting watercorporation.com.au/wintersprinklerswitchoff
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