10/08/05
Reticulation retailers will offer expert reticulation installation advice to DIYers as part of the latest State Government strategy to reduce water use.
Minister Assisting in Water Resources John Kobelke today launched a program to train reticulation retailers to provide the best advice to do-it-yourself irrigation system installers, saying it had the potential to reduce consumption by 20 per cent per garden.
The Minister said the Water Corporation's Waterwise Irrigation Design Shop Program also involved the development of the Domestic Irrigation Design Manual.
"Irrigation systems are by far the biggest users of water in gardens - with about 70 per cent of water going on gardens in summer - so it is appropriate that they are targeted by this new program," he said.
"Retailers will be trained free of charge to provide the best advice to do-it-yourself irrigation system installers to achieve more efficient use of water in home gardens."
Mr Kobelke said about 40 irrigation supply retailers in Perth offered irrigation design services and their staff had varying degrees of expertise and knowledge.
"To provide them with the training they need, the Water Corporation and the Irrigation Association of Australia have jointly developed a domestic irrigation design manual and associated training material," he said.
"Training will be offered to all retailers who provide a DIY service and it is anticipated that there will be a 90 per cent take-up of the new program by the start of next summer, which is an excellent response."
Mr Kobelke said key advice to be offered by trained retail staff would include water system scheduling according to sprinkler type, climatic conditions, soil type and other factors.
"Another bonus of the program is that participating retailers will support the Government's Waterwise Rebate Scheme by providing customers with the advice to ensure that rebated products are installed and used appropriately," he said.
The Minister said the Waterwise Rebate was one of a series of the Gallop Government's long-term measures aimed at reducing water consumption.
"The rebate program alone has achieved 6.7 billion litres per annum of ongoing water savings since its inception in 2003," Mr Kobelke said.
"The Gallop Government is improving the quality of services to all Western Australians wherever they live."
Minister's office: 9222 9211
