The water efficiency measures now in place don’t just affect our gardens. They are governed by a set of by-laws that prescribe how we can use water outside. To make it easier for you to keep to the rules we’ve provided a simple list of the things you can and can’t do with water.
You can:
- Water lawns and gardens using reticulation systems that distribute water through sprinklers or drippers only on your watering days, either once in the morning before 9am or once in the evening after 6pm, except during the winter sprinkler ban. Water lawns and gardens with a hand held hose at any time so long as the hose only has one outlet. However, it is much more beneficial to plants if you water them early in the morning.
- Use a watering can at anytime.
- Only hose or spray buildings, paths and paved areas to: Fight fires or Avoid a threat to health, for example cleaning a chemical spillage, Construct or repair buildings, paved areas and roads.
- Replace swimming pool water lost through evaporation and usage to the minimum extent needed to maintain the pool’s proper functioning.
- Fill a new swimming pool or spa.
- Wash your car on the lawn rather than the driveway and always use a trigger hose.
- Only test your reticulation on your allowed watering days and times following repairs to the pipe work.
- Use a watering can or hand held garden hose during a Winter Sprinkler Ban.
You can’t:
Use reticulation or drippers to water during the Winter Sprinkler Ban.
Run reticulation outside your allowed watering days or times to:
- See if the system is operating, or
- Adjust sprays on sprinklers
Water gardens and lawns using reticulation systems that distribute water through sprinklers and drippers in both the morning and evening on your allocated watering days.
Water lawns and gardens using reticulation systems that distribute water through sprinklers and drippers between the hours of 9am and 6pm on a non-rostered day.
Clean driveways, walls or windows of buildings with a hose. Use a broom, sponge or squeegee with a bucket of water instead.
However, if you are establishing a lawn or garden you may apply for an exemption in order for it to become fully established. Click here to view and download an application form or call Busselton Water on 9781 0500 for more information.
Daylight Saving
The shift from daylight savings time will not affect the allowed garden watering times. Gardens can be watered by reticulation on your allocated days during either the morning (before 9am) or the evening (after 6pm). You may adjust your reticulation system if it is set close to these times. To check your allocated watering days, visit the Watering Roster.
Garden Bores
The use of garden bores is managed by the Department of Water. The Department of Water does not allow anyone with a garden bore across the State to water between the hours of 9am to 6pm. Contact the Department of Water on 1800 508 885 or visit www.water.wa.gov.au for further information.