- New watering arrangements are being introduced as part of a broader response to help secure Esperance's water future
- Two-day per week sprinkler roster for domestic bores in place from 1 December 2026
- Winter sprinkler switch-off to commence from 1 June 2027
- Planning also underway for additional water security initiatives
New watering arrangements will be introduced for the whole Shire of Esperance and the town of Munglinup to help secure the area's groundwater supply for the future.
Esperance relies almost entirely on a single groundwater source for its drinking water supply, making the protection of this resource critical to the community's future.
Increasing demand on water use and climate pressures are causing groundwater levels to decline, while salinity continues to rise.
While the Cook Labor Government is taking measures to address our water future for the long term, we can all play a role to protect our water resource today and for future generations.
From 1 December 2026, a two-day per week sprinkler roster for domestic bores will commence in the whole Shire of Esperance and the town of Munglinup. This change aligns with the existing two-day per week watering days arrangements which are already in place for scheme water customers, who will not be impacted by this change.
From 1 June 2027, a winter sprinkler switch off will be introduced in the whole Shire of Esperance and the town of Munglinup. This means sprinklers must not be used during June, July and August, when rainfall is typically higher and less outdoor watering is needed.
These measures are consistent with other parts of Western Australia, including Perth.
The Cook Labor Government continues to monitor groundwater conditions, assess aquifer health, manage allocations and plan for the future.
This includes early planning on local desalination opportunities and assessing the upgrade potential of the existing wastewater treatment plant to allow for more recycled water to be used across the region on public and community facilities, taking pressure off groundwater.
In addition, the maintenance program is scaling up, with more than 150 kilometres of water mains surveyed and 63 leaks repaired, representing a savings of up to 30 million litres of water. Additional monitoring devices on high-use meters will also be installed to identify leaks and unusually high-water use.
Further information about the upcoming changes, your watering days and times, as well as offers and incentives available to save water in your home and garden, can be found at: www.watercorporation.com.au/Esperancewater
Comments attributed to Water Minister Daniel Pastorelli:
"The Cook Labor Government is taking a co-ordinated approach to protecting local groundwater resources and planning for the town's long-term water security.
"While these actions are important, lasting water savings depend on all of us.
"Households account for around 75 per cent of Esperance's scheme water, so simple actions at home can make a big difference.
"By acting now, we can preserve our precious groundwater and help ensure future generations have a secure and reliable water supply.
"I want to thank the community for their understanding of these changes, and I look forward to working with them as we take this important step together."
Comments attributed to Sandra Carr MLC:
"Water security matters to every household, farm and business in our region.
"The science is clear that acting now is better than waiting until the pressures on our groundwater become harder to manage.
"A two-day roster and a winter switch-off are modest changes, and I'm confident the community will get behind them to protect this resource for future generations.
"I'd like to thank locals for their understanding and encourage them to visit the Water Corporation website for more information."
