Temperatures across Australia are at a record high and in some places, rainfall is well under average, leading to depleted water storages and in some states, even intense drought.
Why Does Australia Have Reticulation Restrictions?
In Australia, areas such as New South Wales are currently experiencing a drought, with 99.5% of the state either drought affected, in a drought or experiencing intense drought, which is severely affecting farming communities in the area.
With so many areas affected by a lack of rainfall and depleting water sources, it is important to have measures in place to reduce water use where possible.
Declining Water Reserves
Over the past 12 months, every state and territory in Australia has seen water reserves decline, with some towns close to running out of water entirely.
Without average or above-average rainfall, these water storages are unlikely to return to sustainable levels any time soon, so it is important for residents and businesses across Australia to be wise with their water consumption.
In order to preserve the water in dams and water reserves, most Australian states and territories have enacted some form of water restriction to control when water is used for things such as reticulation.
Restrictions on Reticulation in Secret Harbour and Perth
Perth, Secret Harbour and some parts of the South West are bound by a water sprinkler ban from 1 June to 31 August each year to reduce the amount of water used during winter, when our gardens already benefit from rainfall and lower evaporation rates.
This restriction was introduced in 2010, and applies to both scheme, and bore water users.
According to Western Australia’s water supplier, Water Corporation, about 4.5 billion litres of water are saved each year as a result of the winter reticulation restrictions.
Differing Watering Days in Perth
Outside of the water sprinkler ban over winter, homes in Perth must comply with their rostered watering days. This restriction was introduced back in 2001 and became a permanent roster in 2007.
To view the rostered watering days for your home, check out the Water Corporation website.
On your rostered watering days, homes must only use sprinklers before 9am or after 6pm – this is to reduce the amount of evaporation.
Reticulation Restrictions Across Australia
SYDNEY
Both businesses and residents are bound by “Level 1” water restrictions to limit how and when water is used. Some of the restrictions include watering before 10am or after 4pm using a handheld hose with a trigger nozzle, a watering can or bucket, or any time with an irrigation system that features automated weather adjustment, rain sensors or soil moisture sensors.
MELBOURNE
Homes and businesses across Victoria are restricted by Permanent Water Use Rules, which were introduced in 2011. This restricts reticulation use to between the hours of 6pm and 10am on any day of the week.
BRISBANE
There are no water restrictions across Queensland, however residents and businesses are encouraged to practice water efficient behaviours.
ADELAIDE
Watering by hand is permitted at any time and sprinklers can be used on any day before 10am and after 5pm.
CANBERRA
Restrictions are in place from September to May each year to reduce the use of water for lawns and gardens, with watering allowed before 9am or after 6pm.
DARWIN
There are currently no water restrictions in place in Darwin, and it is the only capital city in Australia that has never had them.
HOBART
No water restrictions in place.
How to Care for Your Plants During Perth’s Summer
Here are some of our top tips for keeping your garden healthy throughout summer:
- Plant “waterwise” plants, like Frangipani and Adam’s Needle, which are low maintenance and require less water than other plant types
- Work with a landscape designer – like Looking Good Landscaping – to create a waterwise verge and garden design
- Water your gardens, lawns and plants during your rostered watering days. Make sure it is before 9am or after 6pm!
- Improve your soil to ensure your plants are getting the right nutrients and your soil is absorbing the water from your reticulation.
- Have Looking Good Landscaping undertake reticulation repairs to make sure your plants are getting watered efficiently.
Get your retic in Secret Harbour and surrounding suburbs in tip top shape for summer with Looking Good Landscaping.
Contact our friendly team today to find out how we can help you get summer ready with landscape design, reticulation and irrigation solutions.