Sprinkler ban begins

The Statewide winter sprinkler switch-off comes into force tomorrow and will apply to all scheme and bore users.

Busselton Water managing director Chris Elliott said the switch-off was important.

“We need to protect our water source and save it for when we need it most over the drier months,” he said.

“Water is a finite resource, we need to effectively manage it now so that future generations can be assured they will have en-ough for when they need it,” he said.

The switch-off period runs from June 1-August 31 and applies in Perth, Mandurah and most parts of the South West.

Households using sprinklers during the switch-off period risk a $100 fine.

Hand watering is permitted during winter but pressure testing of bores is allowed only once per week.

Broadwater resident Don Elston encouraged others to check the installation of automated reticulation devices.

“If the time isn’t right on your meter, then the battery may be dead, resulting in a lack of programming, meaning the water will run outside of scheduled times,” he said.

“Most of the time, high water bills aren’t because of the water meter but rather batteries and programming.”

Hand watering and pressure testing of bores are permitted once a week on normal watering days, either before 9am or after 6pm for two minutes per station during the sprinkler ban.