Information Sheet- Permanent Efficiency Measures
Background
In 2001, a two day a week sprinkler roster system was introduced for those areas served by the Integrated Water Supply Scheme to meet demand at a time of very poor rainfall.
The roster system has been in place since due to the continuing drying climate and the success of the roster system in saving 45 gigalitres a year. In October 2007 this roster system, together with other water efficiency measures, was adopted permanently as a sensible approach to water management.
Water Efficiency Measures (WEMs) include a permanent sprinkler roster system for scheme water users and garden bore users across Western Australia.
There are two state-wide watering roster zones – defined by one east-west boundary just above Kalbarri and Kalgoorlie. For scheme water, all communities south of the boundary have a two day a week sprinkler roster and those communities north of the boundary have an alternate day sprinkler roster. These rosters apply to residential, business, local government and all other users of scheme supplies.
For garden bores in the Perth and Mandurah areas there is a three day a week sprinkler roster system. This is managed, monitored and enforced by the Department of Water.
The aim of the WEMS is to achieve water conservation and efficient use of water resources across the community in Western Australia. As such there are also requirements for schools, government departments, councils and large businesses to become more water efficient. For example the water efficiency measures also include state-wide daytime sprinkler ban compliance by all local government and government departments. The daytime sprinkler ban reinforces the need for long term water conservation.
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Current Situation
Some of the other measures, in addition to sprinkler roster systems include:
| Businesses and State Government Agencies | By 1 July 2009 all businesses using more than 20,000 kilolitres a year and all State Government Agencies need to complete an annual water management assessment and submit a Water Efficiency Management Plan to the Water Corporation for scheme water use and the Department of Water for groundwater use. |
| Schools | The Department of Education and Training and the Water Corporation will conduct audits at government and non-government schools identified as high water users by 1 July 2008. These schools will be encouraged to become Waterwise schools and will be given options to reduce their water use. Schools which already form part of the Waterwise Schools Program in Western Australia will also be audited to establish further steps to improve their water efficiency. |
| Local government | Local Councils using bore water in metropolitan Perth will comply with the State-wide daytime sprinkler ban. All Local Government Authority and government department water allocation licences will be amended by the Department of Water to include this condition by 1 July 2008. Country Councils using groundwater or surfacewater will be required to comply with the new watering regime by 1 July 2009. Local government authorities must develop and submit water efficiency plans to the Department of Water to ensure efficient watering practices. |
There are some exemptions from these measures:
- the establishment of lawns, gardens and verges
- people with special needs
- some commercial operations including propagation of seedlings
- testing, installation and repair of reticulation systems
- maintenance of bowling greens, caravan parks, hobby greenhouses with exotics, lawn tennis courts, synthetic sporting surfaces, turf wickets
- applying wetting agents and fertilisers (contractors only) and
- variation to watering days (public institutions and sporting bodies).
Those who do not comply with these measures are liable to penalties including infringements and prosecutions. Both scheme and garden bore users will continue to be subject to the current penalty of a $100 ‘on the spot’ infringement penalty for non compliance which may result in a $500 fine if the case goes to Court. Warning notices are generally issued before any penalty is invoked.
There are also fines for large businesses who do not comply with the measures by 1 July 2009.
Sustainability Considerations – addressed in planning
Economic | Social and Cultural | Environmental |
| Significantly less expensive than other new water sources. | Maintains waterwise gardens and public open spaces. | Conserves water and energy. |
| Sustainable watering practices support horticultural and garden industries. | Embraces all sectors of the community. | In the Perth Metropolitan area, helps to protect valuable wetlands and environmental systems relying on shallow groundwater. |
| Some cost to water users to install new control systems and other measures to reduce water use. | Supported by Waterwise partnerships. | Native gardens have reduced need for additional nutrients. |