Government announces daytime bore restrictions

15/12/01
Daytime restrictions for use of household garden bore sprinklers will be introduced from December 21, Environment and Heritage Minister Dr Judy Edwards announced today.

New orders to be put in place by the State Government next Friday will allow garden bore sprinklers in Perth and most of the State only to be used between 6pm and 9am.
Dr Edwards said all water was precious, regardless of where it came from, and everyone in the community should play their part to conserve and use water wisely.
"The new rules will help to make sure that there is greater equity between people who use scheme water and those who use private bores to water their garden," she said.
"Garden bores using local groundwater are a better alternative to scheme water for many gardens, but both use valuable natural resources and both must be used responsibly."
The new restrictions on household garden bore use apply permanently throughout the year, mirroring the Water Corporation's daytime restriction on scheme water sprinklers which has been in place for several years.
Unlike the two-day a week restriction on scheme water sprinklers, the days on which people can use garden bores are not limited.
"However, bore owners are encouraged to be sensible about how much water they use, remembering that the average garden only needs to be watered two or three times a week for about 15 minutes," Dr Edwards said.
The Minister said the principles of good water conservation, like not wasting it by watering during the heat of the day when evaporation is high, made sense regardless of whether groundwater was scarce or plentiful in any particular area.
The penalty for using garden bore sprinklers during the day is to be set at $100, but fines will not come into effect for the first two months. However, warnings can still be issued during this period.
The new law applies to people who do not hold a Rights in Water and Irrigation Act licence for their bore.
People who have a licence must comply with the conditions on the licence.
Where necessary, the Water and Rivers Commission will contact licensed groundwater users, either adding conditions banning the daytime use of sprinklers on lawns and gardens or working towards the implementation of water efficiency programs.
Daytime sprinkler restrictions do not apply in Albany and North West Cape (including Exmouth), where household garden bores are licensed, and the restrictions also do not apply to most of the Eucla and Wheatbelt areas where groundwater is generally saline and not suitable for gardens.
Minister's office: 9220 5050