Winter Sprinkler Ban in Perth -All You Need to Know!

During winter in Perth, residential gardens don’t need to be watered as the winter rains provide enough water to keep gardens healthy and help us conserve our precious water resources! The Water Corporation has created an annual strict winter sprinkler ban in Perth and other parts of Western Australia between 1st of June and 31st of August.

Getting caught watering your garden during the ban can cost you a fine of $100.

Water Corporation Sprinkler Ban

Here are a few of the most common questions about the Water Corporation winter sprinkler ban and what it means for Perth homeowners…

Which parts of Western Australia are included in the sprinkler switch off?

The sprinkler switch-off applies to both schemes and bore water users in Perth, Mandurah and some parts of the South West (including Albany).

How do I turn off my reticulation sprinkler system?

With most controllers, it is a very straightforward step and all you have to do is to turn the dial to the off position – if you’re unsure you may want to watch the following video or call us and we will happily do it for you.

What do I do if I have a bore?

While you still have to switch off and not run your regular watering days, bore owners may want to run their system (briefly!) and weekly to avoid having the bore seizing, which may lead to costly repairs.

What if I have just planted a new lawn or garden?

If you have just planted and are worried about the establishment of your new greenery, remember that there is no automatic exemption – you still need to apply for a temporary exemption or you can receive a fine. This will allow you to water between 9am and 6pm, outside your rostered watering days, and during the winter switch-off period. You can apply online through the Water Corporation website or by calling the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.

Should I get my reticulation serviced in winter?

During the winter sprinkler ban is a great time to contact your reticulation technician and get your repairs done, book in reticulation maintenance or upgrade your retic system. While in summer it can be almost impossible to get hold of a technician, most retic repair companies slow down during winter months and have much more time to install new systems and or repair existing systems during this season.

When can sprinklers be turned back on in Perth?

The winter sprinkler ban ends on 31 August, so sprinklers can be turned back on from 1 September – the Water Corporation’s rostered watering days simply apply again from that date, meaning you water on your two rostered days, before 9am or after 6pm.

Before you set the controller and walk away, give your system a quick once-over – run each station and watch it work. After three months switched off, this is the moment problems show up: a station that won’t come on, a solenoid stuck open, pop-ups that stay down, or a controller that has lost its program.

If something isn’t working, book a reticulation repair – repairs are booked, not quoted, and most faults are diagnosed and fixed on the spot. And if it runs but hasn’t been checked in a while, a spring service will test every station, adjust your coverage and set your controller up properly for the season – before the spring rush and the first hot week arrive!

The winter sprinkler ban in Perth doesn’t just save you money on a fine, it also preserves our water resources for summer – when our gardens need them the most!

Take advantage of the quieter months to get a new system installed or your current one checked and optimised. Upgrading to a more waterwise setup may also make you eligible for the Water Corporation reticulation rebate. Find out more below and talk to us today!