South West households reminded winter sprinkler switch-off now in force

Households across the South West are being reminded to switch sprinklers off now winter has arrived.

The annual winter sprinkler switch-off came into effect on Thursday, with scheme water and bore water users in the region required to turn their garden reticulation systems off until the end of the season on August 31.

Water Minister Simone McGurk said the switch-off helped save water for the warmer months when there was a greater need for reticulation.

“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 five billion litres of water,” she said.

Those caught using their sprinklers face a $100 fine if caught by an inspector or a warning if reported by the public.

About 70 per cent of non-compliance is due to households not switching systems off soon enough or restarting them too early.

The initiative was first introduced in 2010 and has saved 60 billion litres of water in the time since.

Hand watering is still permitted.

For more information, visit watercorporation.com.au.