Save it for summer: Winter Sprinkler Switch-off returns

• Businesses and households required to switch off sprinklers from 1 June
• 60 billion litres of water saved since 2010 - enough to fill Optus Stadium 60 times
• 80 per cent of people do the right thing and switch off for winter

Households and businesses across Perth, Mandurah and parts of the South-West and Great Southern are being asked to save it for summer during the annual Winter Sprinkler Switch-off.

The switch-off is a permanent water efficiency initiative requiring scheme and bore users to turn off garden reticulation from 1 June to 31 August, helping save precious water for when it's needed most.

Each year, this simple yet effective measure helps save more than 5 billion litres of scheme water.

This is important when you consider average rainfall in Perth has declined by around 20 per cent since the 1970s, leading to an 80 per cent reduction in streamflow to metropolitan dams. 

Adopting water-saving practices inside and outside the home is vital as the State continues to adapt to the impacts of climate change on water supply.

A recent survey by Water Corporation found around 80 per cent of customers do the right thing and switch off their sprinklers in winter. 

Using sprinklers during the switch-off can result in a $100 fine if witnessed by a Water Corporation inspector, or a written warning if reported by a member of the public.

With nearly 70 per cent of non-compliance related to switching off late or switching on early, people are being encouraged to act now ahead of the 1 June deadline.

Since being introduced in 2010, the annual Winter Sprinkler Switch-Off has saved around 60 billion litres of water - enough to fill Optus Stadium 60 times.

Hand watering is permitted during the Switch-off and some exemptions may also apply. In areas of Western Australia not subject to the Switch-off, normal watering rosters and daytime sprinkler bans apply.

To find out if your suburb is included, visit watercorporation.com.au/wintersprinklerswitchoff and enter your postcode.

Comments attributed to Water Minister Simone McGurk:

"The cooler months are a great time to switch off and let the winter rain take care of our gardens, saving water for the warmer months when there is a greater need for sprinklers.

"With over 40 per cent of home water use in the garden, average households can significantly reduce consumption during winter, lowering their bill and contributing to a total saving of some 5 billion litres of water.

"I'm urging everyone, including the one in five who may have forgotten to switch-off in the past, to do the right thing and ensure your irrigation is off from 1 June.

"Water Corporation is continually planning climate resilient water sources for WA, but it's important that we all work together to ensure future generations continue to enjoy a secure, sustainable water supply.

Minister's office - 6552 6600

List of Local Government Areas where the Winter Sprinkler Switch-off applies: