Daytime restrictions for garden bores

Groundwater is precious and we should all use it wisely. That is why the use of household garden bore sprinklers during the day is prohibited. It is to save water from evaporation during the heat of the day.

In the Perth region, the coastal plain from Two Rocks to Lake Clifton, you may only use your garden bore on your watering days and you may only do so once on that day. You may turn on your garden bore sprinklers before 9am or after 6pm. Click here to find out your watering days.

Garden bores are a better alternative to scheme water for gardens, but we still need to use our groundwater responsibly. For most people, this will simply mean checking and perhaps adjusting your timers. Garden reticulation design is very important so that it is efficient and includes the most suitable sprinkler systems.

Remember the average garden only needs to be watered for about 15 minutes, two times a week in the middle of summer. Surveys show that many garden bore owners use much more water than their garden needs.

For information regarding changes to the Waterwise Rebates for garden bores, click here or call the Water Corporation Waterwise Helpline on 13 10 39.

Penalties for not doing the right thing

Anyone found using garden bore sprinklers between 9am and 6pm, or for the Perth region on their non-allocated day, can be fined $100, although offenders will first be given a written warning.

Exemptions to the rules

• If you are establishing a new lawn, you may water with sprinklers during the day for the first 28 days.
• Neighbours sharing a bore are able to use it either according to the dates allocated to their lot number or on the same day of their neighbour's allocated watering days (but not both).
• Restrictions do not apply in Albany and North West Cape (including Exmouth) where household garden bores are licensed. Neither do restrictions apply to most of the Eucla and Wheatbelt areas where groundwater is generally saline and not suitable for gardens.

To report daytime sprinkler use or non compliance with days of the week garden bore watering in the Perth region

If you would like to report a case of a garden bore being used after 9am and before 6pm, or in the Perth region non compliance with the days of the week watering, please telephone 13 10 39.

More information

If you need more information about the new water efficiency measures for garden bores, please ring us on 1800 508 885 and select option 2.