Winter Sprinkler Ban Perth: What You Need to Know (1 June – 31 August)
If you’ve lived in Perth for a while, you’ve probably heard of the Winter Sprinkler Ban – but if you’re not sure exactly how it works or whether it applies to you, you’re not alone. Here’s your guide to what it means, why it matters, and what to do (or not do) during the winter months.
What Is the Winter Sprinkler Ban?
The Winter Sprinkler Ban, also known as the Winter Sprinkler Switch-off, runs from 1 June to 31 August every year. It’s a state-wide initiative managed by the Water Corporation and Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, aimed at conserving water when your garden simply doesn’t need as much.
During this three-month period, you must switch off your irrigation system, whether you’re using scheme water or bore water. It applies across Perth, Mandurah, and parts of the South West and Great Southern regions. Check here to see if the ban applies to your region, however if you are in Mr Retic’s service area, it applies to you.
Even if it doesn’t feel like it’s been a wet winter, most plants and lawns cope just fine without extra watering. What this switch-off does is help save around 5 billion litres of drinking water across WA every year. That’s not a typo – 5 billion.
Who Needs to Switch Off?
Short answer: almost everyone. Whether you’re:
- A residential homeowner running sprinklers on your lawn
- A local business keeping verge gardens looking neat
- A property manager or school irrigating turf or landscaping
…you’ll need to hit pause on your irrigation system during the ban period. That includes:
- Scheme water users (typical mains-connected households)
- Domestic bore users
- Licensed groundwater users (like councils or schools)
Even if you’ve got a smart system or use “waterwise” components, it still needs to be off between June and August.
Are There Any Exceptions?
A few, yes, but you’ll want to make sure you’re following them properly.
✅ New lawns or gardens?
If you’ve just laid new turf or started a garden bed, you can apply for an exemption to water during the establishment phase (up to 28 days). This has to be approved and logged – don’t assume it’s automatic. More information about exemptions & applications can be found on the Water Corp Website.
✅ Hand watering is allowed
You can still give your plants a drink with a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle or a watering can. This is handy for potted plants or delicate new growth that might need a little more love.
✅ Testing and maintenance
Bore users are allowed to run systems briefly (no more than 2 minutes per station) for maintenance or testing purposes. Just keep it sensible, and it is best to do this on your normal rostered watering days and outside peak times (before 9am or after 6pm).
What Happens If You Ignore the Ban?
There’s no tap on the shoulder, it is a $100 on-the-spot fine if your system’s caught running when it shouldn’t be. Water inspectors do patrol throughout winter, especially after rainfall. And let’s not forget that neighbours and visitors to your street may also put in a report if they see your system running when it shouldn’t be.
And while the fine might sting, the real cost is community trust and water security. Perth’s rainfall has been on a downward trend for decades. Every effort counts, especially as more households move into our growing suburbs.
rentals: Who is Responsible for Switching the System Off? The Tenant or Owner?
Good question, and one that comes up a lot – especially with so many rental homes around Perth. Generally speaking, it’s the tenant’s responsibility to make sure the irrigation system is turned off during the Winter Sprinkler Ban, unless the rental agreement says otherwise.
If you’re renting:
- Check your controller and switch it to off or manual off
- If you’re unsure how to do that, give your property manager a call—or reach out to us for a quick walkthrough
If you’re a landlord or managing agent:
- It’s smart to send tenants a reminder each May and reminders during the winter months
- Some landlords & property managers will choose to book a retic technician to switch systems off (especially if the system is more complex or if tenants aren’t confident using it)
Mr Retic’s Tip: We work with a number of local property managers who like us to handle this part of winter prep. If you’re managing multiple properties, we can do a round of inspections and shut-offs efficiently, just send us a work order for properties within our service area.
Why This Matters for Perth Gardens
Here in Perth, our gardens face a unique mix of challenges – sandy soils, harsh summer heat, and now tight water rules. That’s why understanding and working with seasonal changes is key to a healthy garden, a happy water bill, and (fingers-crossed) better dam & underground water levels.
The Winter Sprinkler Ban isn’t just a rule, it is a reminder to think smarter about how and when we water. Your garden won’t suffer for a few months without sprinklers, but it will benefit long-term from efficient watering practices.
pro tip from mr retic: Use Winter to Get your major Retic upgrades Sorted
With your retic system switched off, winter is the perfect window to get things serviced, upgraded, or ready for spring.
We can help you:
- Service your irrigation system – find and fix leaks, adjust spray patterns, check pressure
- Upgrade to waterwise nozzles – and make sure all your nozzles on each station are the same type / style
- Install or reprogram a smart controller so it’s ready to go when spring hits (just don’t forget to turn it off until 1st September)
- Get your bore pump checked if it’s due for a service
We can also do a quick health check on your controller and make sure the system is actually off. (You’d be surprised how many systems keep running due to faulty programming.)
And if you’ve got a retic renovation or soil regeneration project in mind for spring, this is the time to plan ahead. Need a hand? We’re your local retic experts in Perth’s northern suburbs – friendly, efficient, and just around the corner.
TL;DR – Winter Sprinkler Ban Perth (1 June to 31 August)
- What is it? A seasonal rule requiring you to turn off sprinklers to save water in winter
- When? 1 June to 31 August, every year
- Who does it apply to? All scheme water and domestic bore users across Perth and southern WA
- Are there exceptions? Yes – for hand watering, new lawns (with approval), and brief maintenance
- What’s the fine? $100 on the spot if caught, but can escalate for repeat offenders
- What should I do now? Turn your sprinklers off, and book a winter check-up if needed
Want help switching things off, or getting your system in shape for spring? We’re here when you need us – contact us to book in a job.
Fast, reliable, and local – just like always.
