- Up to one billion litres of water will be saved by turning off reticulation a week early
- Annual Sprinkler Switch-off saves five billion litres of water during cooler months
- Initiative reinforces the Cook Labor Government's commitment to protecting WA's future water supply
Households and businesses across southern Western Australia are being urged to switch off their reticulation from tomorrow, one week ahead of the annual Sprinkler Switch-off to boost water savings this winter.
Since 2010, scheme and bore water users in Perth, Mandurah, and parts of the South West and Great Southern have been required to turn off garden reticulation from 1 June each year.
The annual switch off saves more than five billion litres of water over the cooler months, when gardens need less watering.
After a wetter-than-usual autumn, switching off early is expected to deliver greater savings.
As temperatures fall, soil retains more moisture and lawns and plants enter dormancy, meaning gardens can stay healthy without regular watering.
Western Australians have a strong record of being waterwise, especially as climate change has cut streamflow into local dams by about 80 per cent since the 1970s.
In March, Perth water use fell by 30 per cent in a single weekend after Water Corporation asked residents to turn off sprinklers ahead of heavy rain from Tropical Cyclone Narelle.
The Cook Labor Government continues to prioritise long-term water security, with a record $2.7 billion for new water infrastructure in the 2026-27 State Budget.
This includes funding for Perth's third desalination plant in Alkimos, as well as planning for two more in regional WA.
While sprinklers must be switched off, hand watering is permitted and some exceptions apply.
To find out whether your suburb or community is included, visit
www.watercorporation.com.au/waterwise/watering-days/sprinkler-switch-off .
As stated by Water Minister Don Punch:
"Securing Western Australia's water future is a key priority for the Cook Labor Government, and that's why we're investing a record $2.7 billion in water infrastructure to support our growing State.
"Switching off sprinklers from tomorrow is a simple step everyone can take, and it will help save hundreds of millions of litres of water across our community.
"This annual switch off applies across Perth and Mandurah, and parts of the South West and Great Southern, and it plays an important role in protecting our long-term water security."
