Licensed water (ground and surface) users
Questions
1.Why do we have a winter sprinkler ban?
2.How was the area for the winter sprinkler ban selected?
3.Which licensed users does the winter sprinkler ban apply to?
5.Are there exemptions for licensed water users?
6.As a school, are sports ovals exempt from the winter sprinkler ban?
7.Are caravan parks and camping grounds exempt?
8.I have noticed people using water during the winter sprinkler ban. Who do I contact?
4.Do penalties apply for not doing the right thing?
Answers
1.Why do we have a winter sprinkler ban?
Evaporation rates are low in winter and there is usually sufficient rainfall to sustain lawns and gardens. Water being used on lawns and gardens in winter is a waste of this valuable resource. The winter sprinkler ban aims to prevent this wastage and save water for the drier months.
2.How was the area for the winter sprinkler ban selected?
The banned area is based on rainfall data and evapo-transpiration rates.
3.Which licensed users does the winter sprinkler ban apply to?
The winter sprinkler ban applies to licensed water users who irrigate non-commercial areas of turf/lawn or gardens. These users include businesses, local governments, public and private schools, golf courses, government departments, major parks, universities and TAFE campuses and race grounds.
Approximately 600 of these licensed water users have been contacted by the Department of Water and had their licences or operating strategies amended to include the winter sprinkler ban.
For the remaining commercial users of water in the Perth/Mandurah and South West areas of the state, who hold a water licence, the winter sprinkler ban does not apply.
If you are a commercial water user and are unsure if you are affected by the ban please contact the relevant Department of Water regional office.
4.Are there exemptions for licensed water users?
Yes. Licensed water users are permitted to irrigate for commercial purposes during the winter sprinkler ban. For more information please contact the relevant Department of Water regional office.
5.As a school, are sports ovals exempt from the winter sprinkler ban?
Yes. Sports ovals are classified as 'active sporting areas' and are therefore exempt from the winter sprinkler ban. However, we recommend only irrigating when absolutely necessary.
6.Are caravan parks and camping grounds exempt?
Yes. Areas of turf within a caravan park or camping ground are considered part of the commercial operation of the business and therefore they are exempt from the winter sprinkler ban.
7.I have noticed people using water during the winter sprinkler ban. Who do I contact?
If you think businesses are mis-using water please contact your water service provider.
The Water Corporation or call 13 10 39
Aqwest – Bunbury Water Board or call 9780 9500
Busselton Water- Busselton Water Board or call 9781 0500
If you believe a local government is mis-using water, please contact the local government directly.
Please try and record at much detail as possible including the address, time and date of the water mis-use and what you observed.
8.Do penalties apply for not doing the right thing?
Anyone found using sprinklers during the winter sprinkler ban can be fined $100.