Waterwise Landscaper Program

Waterwise Landscaper Program
Training Manual
Program Co-ordinator
Program Sponsor
COPYRIGHT
© Landscape Industries Association of WA
Tel: 0438 523 855
Email: info@landscapewa.com.au
Web: www.landscapewa.com.au
2
UPDATES & AMENDMENTS
Amended and updated by Sue Torlach for LIAWA
to comply with current statewide Permanent Water
Efficiency measures.
The program has been revised in collaboration
with various association representatives and
industry experts with reference to waterwise
initiatives by the following trade and government
organisations:
»»
Water Corporation
»»
Department of Water
»»
Irrigation Australia
»»
Compost WA
»»
Smart Approved Watermark
»»
Department of Health WA
»»
Environment Protection and Heritage Council
»»
Association of Societies for Growing Australian Plants
»»
Weeds Australia
»»
Department of Environment and Conservation
Updated by LIAWA - Dec 2010
Amended by LIAWA – April 2010
Antony Konig, AKL - May 2008
John Stanley, John Stanley Associates - 2005
3
Foreword
Western Australia is a dry State in a dry continent. Water is vital to life and our quality of life
and it supports the natural environment, public health, the economy, community amenity and
recreation.
To ensure that there is enough water for all, we need to address the challenges of our drying
climate, increasing population and minimising our environmental impact. We all need to
work together to reduce our water use, recycle more water and develop new sources to
supplement existing supplies.
The Water Corporation’s 50 year plan - Water
Forever: Towards Climate Resilience looks at
how we can work together to make Perth and
surrounding areas more climate resilient to
ensure sufficient and sustainable water supplies
for Western Australia.
To meet future demand for water we cannot rely
on the development of new sources alone, so
to ensure there will be enough water for all we
need to minimise our environmental impact by
using less water and aggressively pursue gains
in water use efficiency.
Since waterwise campaigns were enhanced and
water restrictions were introduced in 2001, each year on average 45 gigalitres (gL) of water
have been saved and domestic per person consumption has reduced from 123 kilolitres (kL)
to 105 kL per year. Water Forever has set a more challenging domestic target of less than 85
kL per person by the year 2030. To achieve this target, a comprehensive program to change
water use practices will be necessary. The Water Corporation’s range of Waterwise Programs
are aimed to modifying water efficiency practices across Western Australia.
The partnership established between the Water Corporation and the Landscape Industry will
be an essential component in the effort to meet the challenging target to reduce domestic
water consumption set by Water Forever.
4
The Waterwise Landscaper Program, established by the Water Corporation and the
Landscape Industries Association of WA (LIAWA) in 2007, was designed to improve water
use efficiency in landscape design and installation in Western Australia. This is achieved
by raising the standard of design, installation and advice offered by specialist Waterwise
Landscapers through education and compliance to the program’s standards.
Together the Corporation and LIAWA have produced this manual to further the design and
installation of water efficient gardens and their irrigation systems. The Corporation endorses
the manual content and the installation standards promoted by LIAWA. Systems installed to
the standard detailed in this document will ensure that water efficiency and environmental
values are optimised.
We trust you find these training notes both informative and useful in providing waterwise
service and information to your customers. If you have any questions or feedback regarding
the training please contact us by email to water.efficiency@watercorporation.com.au.
For more information about the Corporation’s 50 year Water Forever plan,
visit www.thinking50.com.au
Adele Gismondi
Waterwise Programs Manager
5
CONTENTS
I.
Introduction....................................................................................................................7
II.
Program Outline.............................................................................................................8
III.
Waterwise Plant Selection..............................................................................................9
IV.
Waterwise Irrigation......................................................................................................12
V.
Waterwise Garden Bore Use........................................................................................18
VI.
Soils And Soil Improvement.........................................................................................20
VII.
Mulching.......................................................................................................................24
VIII. Waterwise Turf.............................................................................................................26
IX.
Water Re-Use & Rainwater Harvesting........................................................................31
X.
Water Sensitive Urban Design.....................................................................................34
APPENDICES
Appendix A : WWLP Endorsement Application Form.............................................................37
Appendix B : New Lawns and Gardens..................................................................................39
Appendix C : Garden Conditions in WA Remote Regions......................................................43
Appendix D: Water Corporation Partners / List of Waterwise Specialists...............................50
6
Introduction
The Water Corporation and the Landscape Industries Association of WA (LIAWA) are
committed to exploring avenues that will further enhance their working relationship in all
matters that promote the shared objectives of both organisations; including the promotion of
efficient water use.
The Waterwise Landscaper Program (WWLP), launched in 2007 by the Water Corporation
and LIAWA, has been developed to improve water-use efficiency in landscape design
and installation in Western Australia. This is achieved by raising the standard of design,
installation and advice offered by landscapers through education and compliance to the
program’s standards.
Criteria for Program Membership
Any landscaper involved in design and/or supervising construction work must undergo
WWLP training and pass a written assessment at the conclusion of the training in
order to be endorsed as a WWLP member
»» All landscapers who are involved in design and/or supervising construction work for a
landscaping company must have passed this test before that particular company can
be endorsed as a WWLP member; and
»» Any new employee involved in design and/or supervising construction work of
an endorsed WWLP member must complete the training and pass the written
assessment.
»» All employees are encouraged to join the program by undergoing the training and
passing the written test, but this is not a condition of endorsement.
»»
If/when landscapers meet the above criteria then the company they represent will be
promoted by the Water Corporation and LIAWA as WWLP member. The company details
will be listed on the LIAWA website, and Water Corporation website will have a link to this
listing. The member will be able to use the WWLP member logo on their stationery and
in their advertising materials; the Water Corporation will provide relevant WWLP member
promotional and administrative materials.
To participate in the program, interested landscapers and designers should download the
registration form from the LIAWA website - www.landscapewa.com.au or contact the Water
Corporation on 9420 3507 or email: water.efficiency@watercorporation.com.au
7
Program Outline
Applicants are required to read this
Waterwise Landscaper Program Training
Manual, then complete and submit the
assessment.
The workbook is a guideline to advisable
practices and minimum standards.
Links are provided for further information.
Your feedback and any questions are
welcome at info@landscapewa.com.au
The topics covered in the training manual
are:
1. Waterwise Plant Selection
2. Waterwise Irrigation
3. Waterwise Garden Bore Use
4. Soils and Soil Improvement
5. Mulching
6. Waterwise Turf Practices
7. Water Re-Use and Rainwater Harvesting
8. Water Sensitive Urban Design
8
Waterwise Plant Selection
There are two main components to using
less water in softscaping:
Plant selection and design.
The choice of drought tolerant plants and
the way the plants are organized in the
landscape can make significant water
savings.
Plant selection
Selecting plants which are appropriate to the
existing soil and climate type will significantly
reduce watering requirements.
www.watercorporation.com.au has
comprehensive information and advice
on waterwise plant selection, including
waterwise themed gardens; ‘Coastal’,
‘Mediterranean’, ‘Native’, Tropical’,
and ‘Cottage’. Check their database to
‘Waterwise Plants for WA Gardens’ which
has a useful search function.
http://anpsa.org.au is a very good resource
for information on Australian plants compiled
by the Australian Native Plants Society
(Australia).
Another excellent resource is the Nursery
and Garden Industry. There are a number
of very good nurseries in WA who have
many years of experience and knowledge of
The simple rule
is to select a drought-tolerant plant
over a water demanding plant. If high
water use plants are required as part
of a planting scheme then keep their
use to a minimum – using them as focal
points or features in a suitably protected
spot.
Reduce the use of water demanding
bedding plants which need to be
replaced annually unless they are
seasonal varieties established with
winter rains eg. Everlastings.
drought tolerant planting options and hardy
new releases.
Local knowledge is invaluable as choosing
plants for West Australian conditions are
important.
Note: Nursery labelling can often be for
Eastern states or NZ conditions. Make sure
you are regularly in touch with growers about
suitable drought-tolerant varieties for specific
project requirements. Many will contract grow
or obtain suitable species for challenging
sites.
9
Waterwise Plant Selection (cont.)
Hydro zoning
When using plants which will require regular
water it is important to group plants together
in hydrozones. These areas contain plants
with similar watering requirements.
If unable to irrigate for the first summer
losses will occur. This may be acceptable
depending upon the scale or nature of the
project but ideally water should be provided
for at least the first summer for a premium
result.
The ‘drop system’ has been devised to assist
with hydrozoning where:
Selecting stock
**
One drop plants need infrequent
watering, ie. once a week
drop plants need regular or relatively
**Two
frequent watering, ie. twice a week
drop plants are water demanding,
**Three
requiring water every day or every
second day
Given current water restrictions, three drop
plants need to be hand watered so minimize
the use of these plants.
Dry landscaping
It is possible to install landscapes using
plants that require no ongoing water once
established. Obviously native plants, cacti
and succulents and hardy Mediterranean
varieties are best suited to these style of dry
landscapes or xeriscapes.
When ordering or selecting greenstock it is
important to choose plants which are in good
health, growing robustly and showing no
signs of disease.
Well grown plants have a better chance of
establishing quickly. If there is excessive tip
or top growth it is advisable to prune this
off when planting in the warmer months to
reduce transpiration and allow the plant
to establish a root system which is able to
sustain further growth.
Plants which have been sun hardened are
preferable to shade grown stock unless they
are going immediately into a shaded position.
Note: Advanced plants have higher watering
requirements until their root system develops
so this must be taken into consideration
when installing irrigation.
In the south west these planting schemes are
best established in autumn/early winter to
make the most of the short wet season.
10
Waterwise Plant Selection (cont.)
Avoid weed species
Avoid selecting species which have weed
potential. Many hardy introduced plants have
become naturalised and threaten to take
over bushland and cultivated areas resulting
in huge expense and ongoing programs
aimed at containing or eradicating the
‘garden escapees’.
For further information visit:
http://florabase.dec.wa.gov.au/
or
www.weeds.org.au/wamap.htm Design Tips
deep-rooted plants, large shrubs
**Use
and trees, which are able to be self-
sustaining once they are established.
They will reduce water use and ensure
the longevity of a landscape.
trees for shade to reduce
**Use
temperatures and provide some
protection for smaller plants
trees and shrubs as windbreaks
**Use
– planted as a semi-permeable wind
barrier.
dry winds can cause serious
**Hot
damage and protecting plants from
wind reduces stress and water use.
**Make water efficient choices
on the scale and budget of
**depending
a project eg for large scale landscapes
use trees, spreading drought tolerant
groundcovers and hardy native
grasses
lawn areas to functional uses
**Keep
only and substitute hardy ground
covers or alternative surfaces with
shading via trees or other structures
11
Waterwise Irrigation
Waterwise irrigation systems are designed
and installed to make the most efficient use
of available water. WWLP members are
encouraged to design and install to Irrigation
Australia standards. Visit :
http://www.irrigation.org.au/assets/
pages/6E9E6203-1708-51EBA65470E3F41123EB/UrbanBrochure.pdf
Irrigation Australia Limited (WA region)
and the Water Corporation have compiled
a workbook for the Waterwise Garden
Irrigation Program (WWGIP), which includes
comprehensive specifications and installation
advice for waterwise irrigation systems.
Members of the Waterwise Landscaper
Program who are interested in becoming
Waterwise Garden Irrigators can contact
Irrigation Australia.
Visit www.irrigation.org.au
The WWGIP Program covers:
»»
Smart watermark approved products
»»
Mains water connection
»»
Mainline
»»
Control valves
»»
Control wiring
»»
Cable connections
»»
Garden bed irrigation
»»
Irrigation on turf
»»
Control systems
»»
System handover
»»
Standards for domestic irrigation
installation
For the purposes of the Waterwise
Landscaper Program please refer to the
WWGIP ‘Systems specifications’ for your
assessment. Follow the link:
http://www.irrigation.org.au/assets/
pages/6E9E6203-1708-51EBA65470E3F41123EB/Good watering
LR.pdf
and read through the document paying
particular attention to garden bed irrigation,
irrigation for turf and control systems.
12
Waterwise Irrigation (cont.)
Guidelines for waterwise
irrigation systems
1. Use separate stations for distinct
hydrozones e.g. lawn and garden beds
Smart Approved WaterMark
products
2. Each station should use sprinklers/
emitters of the same type
3. Design and install to minimize variations
in rate of output between identical
emitters in the system (system should not
operate at more than 10% variation)
The Smart Approved Watermark was
established as a labelling scheme to promote
water saving products and services and
to reduce water use around the home.
Preference should be given to products,
which have been granted ‘Smart Approved
Watermark Certification’ (SAWM).
These products, when installed and operated
to the manufacturer’s specification, have
been demonstrated to offer significant water
savings.
sprays with coarse or heavier
**use
precipitation rates
Refer to www.smartwatermark.info to keep
up to date with products certified.
are not recommended due to
**microsprays
misting
A selection of the following certified products
are listed in the WWGIP:
Drip irrigation
»» Rain sensors
»» Soil moisture monitors
»» Sprinkler systems
»»
4. All emitters should work at the
manufacturer’s recommended operating
pressure
Sprinkler systems
should be spaced at no more
**sprinklers
than the radius of throw specified by the
manufacturer’s recommendations
circle sprinklers should be used
**part
where appropriate to prevent wasteful
overspray
garden beds pop up heights should be
**insuited
to the planting or shrub adaptors
fitted on fixed polyrisers above planting
13
Waterwise Irrigation (cont.)
to minimize ‘shadowing’ of plants at their
mature height
installation of a minimum 120 mesh filter
to prevent clogging of emitters.
narrow beds less than 3m wide,
As subsurface drip systems (under
**inirrigation
*
*
maybe be installed on one side
lawn) require the introduction of a rootof the bed with sprinklers of a radius of
throw of between 1/4 and 1/3 greater
than the width of the bed providing that
overspray is against a solid object or a
turfed area
Drip systems
line dripper and row spacing should be
**Inappropriate
to the soil type, for example:
sandy soils - 0.3m dripper spacing,
0.3m rows
»» medium/loamy soils - 0.4m dripper
spacing, 0.4m rows
»» heavy/clay soils - 0.5m dripper
spacing, 0.5m rows
»»
appropriate layout techniques for the
**Use
planting scheme eg. grid format for dense
planting and ‘lite’ layout of dripline where
the line is woven throughout a planting
area for more sparse planting schemes.
very sparse planting low-density poly
**For
and individual drippers may be prove to
be more efficient.
**Drip systems should be protected by the
intrusion inhibitor at approved dosages,
the mains water supply must be protected
at the point of connection by a reduced
pressure zone backflow device by a
licensed plumber. Use only Anti Siphon
(AS) dripline sub surface (turf).
vacuum breaker/air release valve
**Ashould
be installed at high point/points in
the drip system to prevent ‘suck back’.
automatic line flushing valve should
**beAninstalled
for each station on the
collection manifold at the furthest point in
the system.
Irrigation controller
be a minimum three station
**should
controller and be programmable to
comply with watering guidelines and
restrictions.
have a ‘water budgeting’ feature
**must
to enable increase/decrease of watering
times to all stations according to
seasonal/prevailing weather requirements
be able to interface with a ‘Smart
**must
Approved WaterMark’ automatic rain
sensor and soil moisture sensor
14
Waterwise Irrigation (cont.)
rain sensor should be adjusted to shut
**the
off the irrigation automatically following
rainfall
required the controller should be
**where
fitted with a back-up battery to hold the
memory in the controller in the event of
power failure
be programmed in accordance
**must
with any existing watering regulations/
restrictions in force
‘The Standard Drink’
The recommended ‘standard drink’ for Perth
is 10mm of rainfall or 10 litres of water per
m2 of watered soil. The standard drink is the
same for both turf and garden areas.
Regional offices of the Water Corporation
can advise the local standard drink and the
watering schedules for country areas.
Catch cups have been introduced to
calculate the standard drink run time by
sampling the precipitation from a system
over a particular area. By placing the cups
under each section of sprinklers and timing
how long it takes to average 10mm depth,
the operating time for the standard drink is
obtained.
To establish run time follow these steps:
10 cups mid way between sprinklers
**set
and sprays
**run the station for its ‘usual’ time
all the readings except the lowest
**record
and highest
the remaining eight readings
**average
(gives the ‘current’ drink)
the run time up or down to give the
**scale
standard drink
For checks on uniformity of distribution a
more extensive test of coverage should be
undertaken.
For drip systems the
standard drink is 10L of
water delivered per square
metre, so watering time for
drippers can be calculated
based on flow rate. Usually
longer run times can be
anticipated for drip systems.
15
Waterwise Irrigation (cont.)
Benefits of drip irrigation
Landscape architects, contractors, nurseries,
designers and consultants recognise
the benefits of using low volume drip
irrigation because of its accelerated plant
growth compared to overhead sprays. The
combination of rapid growth and dramatic
water savings are the major benefits of drip
systems. They are ideal for sloping areas,
minimizing run off.
Drip systems are flexible and can easily be
added to at further stages of development as
well as being easily retrofitted to an existing
micro spray system. They can be applied
in regular and odd- shaped areas and are
discreet in high profile landscapes.
Drip applications are sub-surface for turf
and sub-mulch for general planting. Drip is
also the most efficient method of dispersing
wastewater effluent (greywater) into the
soil. It is possible to install drip irrigation into
existing turf with minimal disturbance using
purpose-designed equipment.
Drip irrigation is the only permissible form of
water delivery in many states of Australia. It
is the most appropriate irrigation system for
our climate and strong prevailing winds.
For efficient water use, drip systems are
recommended in almost all situations in
preference to spray systems for garden
beds.
For technical specifications on drip systems
and their installation refer to p15 of the
WWGIP.
It is advisable to obtain further training in drip
technology to ensure systems are designed
and installed for effective application. It is
also important to familiarise yourself with
basic operational procedures pertaining
to dosing, filtration, field flushing and root
control intrusion where required.
Manufacturers and suppliers or drip irrigation
components can provide further training
and LIAWA can be contacted for upcoming
Professional Development sessions on
waterwise irrigation systems.
Future technology
New technologies are emerging such
as the ‘Capillary Irrigation Sub-Surface
Systems’ or ‘KISSS’. This system introduces
a new irrigation approach that matches
water delivery to the capillary action of
the soil. A geotextile fabric allows water to
move through the material at a rate that
matches the soil’s ability to absorb it. Water
is delivered to the root zone where it is
available to the plants and held there in a
wetting pattern rather than draining away.
16
Waterwise Irrigation (cont.)
Handover and irrigation
scheduling
After installation a system ‘handover’
should take place that includes a working
demonstration of all functions of the irrigation
controller.
The watering program should be compliant
with current Water Corporation and
Department of Water regulations and
recommendations.
Design Tips
Advances in irrigation technology are
giving greater flexibility in design and
efficiency. Landscape designers and
irrigation designers are advised to work
closely together to ensure maximum
effect for minimal water input. Here
are ways designers can contribute to
designing a waterwise landscape:
identifying the types of plants
**Clearly
to be irrigated to avoid shadowing/
blocking effects as the plants mature
Important!
The client should be given
a recommended watering
schedule for peak demand
with recommended seasonal
reduction for shoulder and
winter periods.
hydrozoning ie grouping
**Employ
plants with similar watering
requirements to ensure that maximum
watering efficiency can be maintained
the system to the watering
**Match
requirements of plants eg. an
advanced tree may require a larger
volume of water than a sprinkler
system can provide
the site’s soil type, topography
**Identify
and microclimatic influences
Refer to the Water Corporation website for
current watering regulations and guidelines
(see Appendix B)
http://www.watercorporation.
com.au/W/waterwise_index.
cfm?uid=0837-2686-2368-6916
slopes on the plan to aid
**Identify
choices of irrigation in system design
other points of interest that may
**Mark
have a bearing on system design
such as prolonged shade, high wear
and tear, areas subject to mechanical
damage
17
Waterwise Garden Bore Use
Shallow groundwater is relatively accessible
in Perth and its use on gardens reduces
the demand on valuable potable scheme
water. Activities removing large volumes of
groundwater require an abstraction licence
from the Department of Water but household
bores in the metropolitan area do not usually
require a licence. The number of bores in an
area depends on:
»»
depth to the water table
»»
difficulty of access – areas closer to
the coast have fewer bores due to the
cost of drilling into limestone and the
risk of saline intrusion
»»
chance of success- bores are fewer
in some eastern suburbs in areas of
clay or granite where bore yields are
generally lower
To assess suitability for a garden bore in
the metro area refer to the Dept. of Water’s
‘Perth Groundwater Atlas’ at http://www.
water.wa.gov.au/Tools/Maps+and+atlases/
Perth+groundwater+atlas/default.aspx
Although groundwater may be readily
available, it should still be considered a
precious resource. Excessive use can
result in groundwater draw-down where
over pumping can lower the water table to
undesirable levels in some areas and be
detrimental to the environment. Care should
be taken near sensitive environments such
as wetlands.
In some areas where there has been
excessive clearing of natural vegetation
and a rise in the water table, bores can be
beneficial in preventing further ground level
rises and minimizing the need for drainage. It
is important to encourage efficient bore use
among consumers so a waterwise irrigation
system should be installed which only waters
enough to meet the garden’s needs. Overuse
of a bore can result in groundwater drawdown, nutrient loss and saltwater intrusion (in
coastal areas).
18
Waterwise Garden Bore Use (cont.)
Application of bore water
Bore water can be applied either via sprinkler
systems or drip irrigation. When considering
the use of bore-water for any drip irrigation
system it is always recommended that an
analysis is made of a water sample from the
bore prior to installation of such a system.
Bore water in many areas of the South-West
of WA contain concentrations of dissolved
iron which, when oxidised, can clog drip
emitters over time.
Manufacturers do not recommend the
use of drip irrigation where the levels of
dissolved iron exceed 0.5 parts per million.
Some high output drippers, however, may
be used with higher levels than this- refer to
manufacturers for their recommendations.
Periodic maintenance will be required –
cleaning filters and flushing driplines.
Garden Bore users in Perth
and Mandurah are permitted to
water between 6pm and 9am
on three days of the week
depending on the last digit of
the house or lot number.
Winter sprinkler bans currently
apply to bore users in Perth,
Mandurah and some parts of
the South West.
19
Soils And Soil Improvement
Why improve the soil?
Soils have often been degraded or topsoil
completely removed from a site during
earthworks. Various grades of fill may have
been imported. A variety of soil types from
heavy clays or very porous sands are found
in WA so depending upon the soil type and
plants selected, soil amendment is usually
required to improve soil condition for nutrient
uptake and efficient water use.
Naturally occurring soils do not usually
require improvement for local plant species,
though this is questionable if natural
vegetation has been removed for a period of
time and the topsoil has been degraded.
Soil types in the Perth region
The majority of the Swan Coastal plain is
sand. But there is a range of soil complexes
in this broad category from shallow sands
over limestone, black peaty sands around
lakes and swamps, alluvial loams and clays
along the rivers to sands and loams over
clays. Then there are the lateritic (gravelly)
and granite soils of the Darling Range in all
their variety.
agricultural and horticultural production
purposes it may be helpful to undertake
a more scientific analysis of a soil but for
amenity landscaping the following broad
categories and their characteristics are
sufficient:
SOIL TYPE
Clay
Clay loam
WHEN DRY WHEN WET
sets hard,
may crack
sets hard,
may crack
Sandy Clay
sets hard
Loam
sets firm
remains
friable
dries firm
dries firm
remains
loose
Sandy loam
Clayey sand
Loamy sand
Sand
sticky, drains
very slowly
sticky, freer
draining
usually not
sticky, drains
slowly
a little sticky
easy to work
a little sticky
easy to work
easy to work
Identifying a soil type
To work out soil type the soil texture is
important. This is the relative amount of
sand, silt and clay in a soil. For specific
20
Soils And Soil Improvement (cont.)
Improving the soil
All soils benefit from the incorporation of
organic matter.
Organic matter is best added in the form
of compost. Compost, which is the basis
of quality soil improvers describes a range
of naturally manufactured products. It
is basically organic material which has
undergone a controlled, biological process by
which pasteurization (at temperatures above
55 degrees) and biological transformation
occurs and a certain level of maturity is
reached. It improves the structure of soils,
the availability of nutrients and the water
holding capacity of the soil.
The terms soil improver,
soil conditioner and
soil concentrate are
interchangeable.
Products made to Australian
standards AS 4454 are
recommended.
A major advantage of professionally
composted products is that due to the
pasteurization process they are weed free.
Manures, blood and bone etc are organic
materials that can be classified as fertilizers
but are often added to compost products to
create a soil improver.
Clay soils
Soils in the clay range benefit from the
addition of organic matter to improve soil
structure, aeration and drainage. Gypsum
can be added to reactive clay soils to
improve structure and water penetration.
Sandy soils
Soils in the sandy range benefit from the
addition of organic matter to improve water
and nutrient holding capacity and enrich soil
fauna.
Bentonite clay can be added to sandy
soils to increase the nutrient and water
holding capacity. The addition of a small
proportion of clay can dramatically increase
water-holding capacity and reduce water
repellency. Another benefit is that the
role of organic carbon in promoting water
repellency due to wax build up decreases
markedly with increasing clay content. There
is also evidence that the addition of lime can
decrease water repellency over time which
21
Soils And Soil Improvement (cont.)
can be a more cost effective solution than
claying sandy soils but pH requirements will
need to be considered.
For those interested in further reading,
papers on these topics include:
»»
»»
‘Soil attributes related to water
repellency’, Harper and Gildes,
Australian Journal of Soil Research
‘Managing Soils to Enhance the
Bioremediation of Water Repellency’,
Roper, Australian Journal of Soil
Research
Inorganic soil amendments
(refer to Water Corporation brochure on the
website www.watercorporation.com.au)
Spongelite and Zeolite are inorganic naturally
occurring products that absorb water and
nutrients and allow their subsequent slow
release in the soil profile.
They can also extend the life of liquid wetting
agents. These products are particularly
useful for water repellent, sandy soils.
Wetting agents
A first requirement for efficient water use
is to ensure that water rapidly infiltrates
the soil. The application of wetting agents
is highly recommended for water repellent
sandy soils. They are available in liquid and
granular forms.
The liquid wetting agents are faster acting
and ensure initial wettability of soils but
granules can last longer – so depending
upon the application a combination of
the products may be the best solution.
Apply according to the manufacturers
specifications. River-safe products are
recommended.
Important Planting Tip
When planting in water repellent sandy
soil, plant significantly lower than the
surrounding soil level so water runs to the
root ball rather than away. This simple
technique will make a huge difference to
effective watering. It is important to plant
below existing ground level rather than
mound up soil in a moat effect as this
will rapidly wash or blow away in heavy
weather. Also leave room for mulch when
finalizing soil levels in retained beds and
against paving to prevent run off and
debris messing up paths, paved areas
etc
22
Soils And Soil Improvement (cont.)
Incorporating organic matter
It is best to incorporate organic matter into
root zone of the soil – to a depth of 250400mm.
The most economic and efficient method is
to improve the individual planting hole. The
roots benefit immediately, water storage is
located at the base and sides of the plant
where required. If the material is left at the
surface it encourages weed growth and
can hold water at the top of the soil profile
encouraging shallow root systems that are
less drought-tolerant.
Mounded gardens and sloping areas can
be problematic for water penetration due
to the rate of run off. Apply the planting tip
below and if the slope is significant, ensure
the edge of the planting hole slopes back
towards the root ball to minimize run off.
Importing soil
It is not necessary to import large quantities
of soil unless fill is required to change levels,
back fill retaining walls, create mounded
effects etc. It is preferable to use the
existing soil and add soil improver and soil
amendments as out lined above.
If soil is required, there are a variety of
sands and soils available for landscaping
applications from brickies sand and fill sand
to topsoil and Gin Gin loam. The loams are
premium products with some clay content
and good water holding properties.
Soil mixes which are designed for specific
applications such as lawn mix, vegetable mix
etc are useful products. A new development
is a purpose designed soil mix available
for use with drip irrigation which aids even
dispersal.
Ensure that you are purchasing a quality
compost product rather than sand, which
has peat, added to it. There are Australian
standards for garden soils – ‘Soils for
landscaping and garden use AS 4419’.
23
Mulching
Mulch covers the surface of the soil and
an essential component of waterwise
landscaping.
Reasons for mulching
»»
»»
»»
»»
»»
significantly reduces evaporation
allows water to percolate through to
soil rather than run off
reduces radiant heat
deters weeds which compete with
plants for water and nutrients
reduces evaporation
Inorganic mulches
Inorganic mulches consist of gravels,
pebbles, shell grit etc.
The benefits of inorganic mulch are:
Organic mulches
For most general landscaping applications a
long lasting, covering mulch is required.
pinebark, chipped green waste and other
high carbon mulches are useful as they:
**have large particles
**are non-absorbent
**allow rapid water penetration
**are long lasting
**are not hospitable to weeds
It is not necessary to apply manures or
fertilizers to accelerate the breakdown of
these mulches as they are used to prevent
evaporation rather than ‘feed’ the plants.
it does not break down so that
**that
although initial cost is higher there is no
Products such as Lucerne, pea hay and
animal manures which are added to
productive gardens should be classified as
fertilizers/soil improvers rather than water
saving mulches.
does not absorb any water so all water
**itpercolates
through to the soil
Laying mulch
replacement cost.
good insulation properties providing
**ita has
cool root run when laid to sufficient
depth
A minimum of 50mm of coarse organic mulch
should be laid over existing soil surface and
40mm of inorganic mulch (preferably over
weed mat). Care should be taken to keep
mulch away from the base of the plant to
allow airflow and prevent disease.
24
Mulching (cont.)
Mulching slopes
When mulching steep slopes biodegradable
jute matting may be required to prevent
erosion and run off.
Design Tips
and water management
**Planting
on steep slopes may require a
range of techniques such as brush
mattressing, erosion control matting,
bank reshaping and terracing.
can act as living mulch,
**Plants
so incorporate spreading drought
tolerant groundcovers as a long term
means of reducing evaporation and
erosion.
25
Waterwise Turf
There is a tendency to overwater lawn.
Although maximum growth rate is achieved
by supplying water at about 90% of pan
evaporation, healthy minimal growth can
be achieved with as little as 30% of pan
evaporation. Most amenity turf can be
maintained at this lower end of the scale if
necessary.
Key factors in producing healthy turf with
minimal water are:
warm season grasses such as
**Grow
Kikuyu, Buffalo, Couch, Zoysia and
Paspalums
and maintain good soil structure
**Improve
to maximize water holding capacity and
to enable deep root penetration. This
maximizes the size of the reservoir of
water for the turf
Design Tips
turfing slopes unless absolutely
**Avoid
essential
lawn in small areas of median
**Avoid
strips, parking bays etc. These dry out
quickly and are prone to overspray
and water wastage
use of lawn on verges.
**Minimise
Where possible, avoid lawn that
slopes towards roads and ensure
lawn is not installed too high – ideally
it should be installed 50mm below
kerb level to allow for thickening over
time.
turf use for areas which are not
**Avoid
functional, use alternative surfaces
for open spaces where recreational
zones are not required
**Control irrigation via soil moisture sensors
Minimise the use of turf for access,
Design irrigation systems to have uniform
*
*
use paths, open gravel areas with
**application and minimal evaporation
losses
Warm season turf varieties
Wintergreen Couch
A single strain selected couch cultivar with
a blue green colour, a fine, dense, soft leaf
texture with high colour retention under low
winter temperatures and partial shade. It has
trees or shade structures or trafficable
drought tolerant ground covers
a deep-rooted, dense network of rhizomes
and vigorous surface stolons that enable
rapid recovery from damage or drought.
Wintergreen has a smooth soft hard wearing
surface, and has stood the test of time in all
states of Australia.
26
Waterwise Turf (cont.)
Santa Ana Hybrid Couch
Has an exceptionally fine leaf and maintains
good colour during winter.
It is the most salt tolerant of the couch
varieties and grows well in coastal areas.
Being both rhizomatous and stoloniferous
Santa Ana is very hardy. This lawn is best cut
low with a sharp correctly set cylinder mower
to keep it surface smooth and control the
development of thatch.
Empire Zoysia
This lawn has a massive root system and
a slow growth habit that have made it a
success everywhere that it is grows. It has a
dark green colour, is soft and luxurious and
grows well in most soil types from sand to
clay. When properly managed Empire Zoysia
is resistant to insects and turf diseases.
Kikuyu
Kikuyu is the most widely grown lawn for
home lawns and urban turf in Australia.
Sometimes criticised because it invades
garden beds and cracks in pavements, it has
a soft surface that mows beautifully and has
unparallel recuperative ability.
Velvetene
Velvetene is a superior cultivar of seashore
paspalum developed in Perth. It is highly
drought tolerant, grows well when restricted
to two days watering per week, and is the
best choice when water quality is limited.
Providing drainage is adequate, Velvetene
can be watered with seawater so it is an
excellent choice for coastal locations.
Soft Leaf Buffalo
Competition has driven constant
improvements in the quality of buffalo lawn.
The lawn that is called Buffalo in Australia
is generally known as St Augustine grass. It
acquired its Australian identity when it arrived
here soon after settlement in the sailing ship
HMS Buffalo. The soft leaf cultivars that are
now available are far superior to the original
variety. However unless root zones are
improved prior to establishment or organic
matter is incorporated into existing Buffalo
lawns they will suffer when watering is
restricted.
Queensland Blue Couch
Queensland Blue Couch has a distinctive
blue/green colour that sets it apart
from all other warm season lawns. Like
Buffalo, Queensland Blue does not have
underground rhizomes so it is important to
improve the soil and do some hand-watering
to supplement irrigation during the summer
months.
Warm season turf that have underground
runners called rhizomes that are capable
of rapid recovery include several varieties
of Couch, Hybrid Couch, Kikuyu, Zoysia,
and Paspalum vaginatum. These lawns are
27
Waterwise Turf (cont.)
recommended where watering is restricted to
two day a week or less.
Due to their vigorous growth these varieties
need to be carefully managed otherwise they
have a tendency to invade garden beds at a
prolific rate.
Warm season lawns that spread by above
ground runners called stolons include
all cultivars of soft leaf Buffalo, and Blue
Couch. Where soil organic matter has
been increased with the incorporation of
compost, these lawns can be managed
during summer with two waterings a week.
Otherwise, supplementary hand watering is
necessary, Australian Turf Farmers are highly
efficient and in most cases have display
areas of different lawns for inspection, and
experienced staff are available to answer
questions and make recommendations.
Cool season turf seed including fine leaf rye,
Kentucky Blue, Bent grasses, Chewing’s and
Creeping Red fescue. Cool season lawns
need more water than warm season lawns
and are not generally suitable for home
lawns in warm regions of Australia.
Soil preparation
Soil amendments are recommended prior to
establishing turf.
In sandy soils, loam, quality landscaping
mixes, composted organic matter, at the
rate of 5-10L per square metre, should be
incorporated into the soil to a depth of at
least 50 - 75mm.
For clay soils gypsum can be added at a
rate of 100 to 150gm per metre and a sandy
loam added.
The area should be levelled, watered and
compacted and lawn starter and a wetting
agent applied before laying turf.
Lawn establishment and
recommended irrigation
scheduling
(refer to Exemptions in Appendix C)
Winter
(June - August)
Recommended as the ideal time to establish
a new lawn. Winter sprinkler bans apply but
exemptions are available for establishing a
new lawn. On wet days the sprinklers should
be turned off.
DAYS
1-7
8 - 14
15 - 30
APPLICATIONS
PER DAY
APPLICATION
RATE (ml)
2
2
every second day
4
1
4
28
Waterwise Turf (cont.)
Autumn and Spring
(March – May, September – November)
Recommended as a good time to establish a
new lawn.
DAYS
APPLICATIONS
PER DAY
1 - 14
2
29 - 35
every second day
15 - 28
35+
APPLICATION
RATE (ml)
4
1
7.5
rostered sprinkler
days
7.5
7.5
1 - 14
APPLICATIONS
PER DAY
3.5
1
10
rostered sprinkler
days
10
2
29 - 35
every second day
22 - 28
35+
APPLICATION
RATE (ml)
3
15 - 21
The standard recommended dosage in
sandy soils under current water restrictions is
10ml per watering twice a week.
This can be measured using catch cups
where the time it takes to fill the container to
a 10ml level is the amount of time required to
run the irrigation system.
This calibration system is only applicable to
spray irrigation systems.
Summer
(December - February)
DAYS
Irrigation scheduling for
maintaining lawn
5
10
Note : Extreme temperatures produce a high
evaporation rate and the application rate may
need to be increased to 13mm.
For dripline systems the application rate
should be calculated based on dripper
discharge rates over surface area at a
specified pressure range.
Soil moisture sensors
Soil moisture sensors appropriately
calibrated for the conditions and hooked to
an irrigation controller can be very useful for
irrigation scheduling.
There are a large range of sensors available
but inexpensive soil moisture probes which
indicate when the soil reservoir is full and
when it needs to be topped up are all that
are required for most practical amenity turf
situations.
29
Waterwise Turf (cont.)
The simplest way of using a moisture sensor
is to install it just above the depth to which
you want water to move into the soil.
Irrigation methods for turf
Turf is irrigated either via or drip systems.
The key elements with sprays are to have
spacing close enough to provide uniformity
and to reduce misting by using sprinklers
which have minimal evaporation from large
droplets.
Drip irrigation is becoming increasingly
common for turf areas.
(For more information see Irrigation Section)
Lawn Maintenance Tips
granular fertilizers in spring
**Apply
and autumn at the rate of 50g per
square metre. Spread the fertilizer
on dry turf and water in.
strong healthy turf without
**Maintain
excessive growth in the warmer
months by spraying with liquid
fertilizer containing seagrass, fish,
organic compounds and amino
acids at four weekly intervals.
Several brands of these low analysis
fertilizers are readily available and
easy to apply.
**Slow release fertiliser is preferred.
‘scalping’ the lawn when
**Avoid
mowing and never remove more
than 1/3 of the leaf blade. (this is
especially important for Buffalo lawn)
wetting agents at least twice
**Apply
a year – usually in spring and late
summer.
zone becomes clogged by
**Ifrootrootproliferation
and compaction,
cultivation in the form of coring or
spiking may be required to increase
the infiltration rate.
incorporate compost into an
**To
existing lawn, mow the lawn at a
height of 10-20mm and remove all
clippings and debris. Aerate the
soil and relieve compaction with a
hollow tine machine. Mix the surface
material with 1-3L of compost per
square metre, slow release fertilizer,
zeolite, minerals and a blend of rock
dusts. Rub this mix back into the
interface of the lawn and soil with
the back of a rake or screed where it
will dilute thatch, stimulate microbial
activity and level the surface of the
lawn.
30
Water Re-Use & Rainwater Harvesting
Water re-use is the use of effluent water
for beneficial purposes in landscaping,
agriculture, industry and domestic systems.
All waste water can be recycled via onsite
or septic systems which treat waste water
including ‘black’ or toilet water and disperse
the water close to the source. Greywater
systems can treat or re-use water from the
laundry, bathroom and kitchen to irrigate
lawns and garden beds.
Greywater technology is progressing rapidly
and will become more important as demands
on our water supply increase.
As a landscaper you will be
required to work with greywater
applications and it is important
to familiarise yourself with the
systems available and suitable
methods of dispersal.
Regulations
‘The Code of Practice for the Reuse of
Greywater in Western Australia’ provides
information on the requirements for the
reuse of greywater in residential gardens.
It provides guidelines for householders
and persons wishing to design and market
systems.
Visit http://www.public.health.wa.gov.
au/3/667/2/greywater_.pm
Developers interested in large wastewater
reuse schemes for commercial or subdivision
purposed are advised to refer to the
‘Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling:
Managing Health and Environmental Risks.’
Visit http://www.ephc.gov.au/taxonomy/
term/39
Types of greywater systems
The Department of Health provides a list and
information on approved greywater systems.
The conditions of approval may vary
depending on the design, with some systems
not being permitted in non-sewered areas,
not accepting kitchen waste flows or being of
a smaller scale.
There are two types of greywater systems for
the domestic market that both require local
government approval and state government
guidelines for installation:
31
Water RE-USE & Rainwater Harvesting (cont.)
1. Diversion systems
which are either gravity or pumped (laundry
and bathroom only)
Gravity diversion device
A gravity diversion device incorporates a
hand activated valve, switch or tap and is
fitted to the outlet of the waste pipe of the
plumbing fixture such as a laundry tub.
Greywater is diverted directly to a subsurface irrigation system in the garden.
Pump diversion device
A pump diversion device incorporates a
surge tank to cope with sudden influxes of
greywater for distribution of the greywater
directly to a sub-surface irrigation system in
the garden. The surge tank does not operate
as a storage tank.
2. Treatment systems
which upgrade water quality and provide
more flexibility in terms of re-use applications
(can be used for kitchen water as well as
laundry and bathroom).
Irrigating with greywater
dispersal systems are used for
**Drip
greywater, delivering a slow and precise application of water throughout the soil.
**Drip irrigation eliminates health risks
associated with wastewater and reduces
run off and ponding due to a slow
application rate.
designed dripline is available
**Specially
for greywater irrigation. Pressure compensated dripline can be used for
treated greywater and non-pressure compensated for greywater diversion
systems.
principles for installing a drip
**The
irrigation system for greywater are the
same as for general dripline apart from
the specialized pipe which allows for
larger particulate matter.
is essential that household laundry
**Itdetergents
etc are compatible with greywater re-use.
Note:
Useful websites
for references and information
http://www.thinking50.com.au/go/
publications/information-sheets
http://www.water.wa.gov.
au/Managing+our+water/
Water+recycling/
Waterwise+community+toolkit/
default.aspx
32
Water RE-USE & Rainwater Harvesting (cont.)
Important considerations when
using greywater
1. Good dispersal design is essential.
Greywater volumes and averages should
be matched to the area to be irrigated.
2. To ensure water balances are achieved in
high and low evaporation periods of the
year and with varying occupancy of the
dwelling, supplementary water may be
required to ensure security of supply.
3. When using greywater in heavier soils
where saturation of garden soils of low
permeability may occur during periods of
heavy rainfall there should be a facility
to divert the greywater to a sewer or
alternative disposal method.
4. Regular maintenance of the drip system
is essential – check the manufacturer’s
recommendations
5. Treated rather than diverted greywater is
recommended for turf. Some paspalum
varieties such as ‘Velvetene’ are able to
handle poor, low quality or recycled water.
Treated water can be used with dripline
with no problem as the individual emitters
do not need to accommodate particulate
matter.
6. Non-treated greywater on lawns using
subsurface is problematic as the emitters
need to be larger and are therefore prone
to root intrusion which the root inhibitor
chemical is not able to deter.
7. Greywater is not for use on leafy edible
crops – herbs, vegetables etc.
8. A licensed plumber is required to modify
any plumbing work
Rainwater harvesting
With Perth’s dry summers, there is limited
value in collecting rainwater for residential
garden irrigation unless a large tank is
installed. Standard domestic tanks (1,500L 3,000L) do not have the capacity to provide
sufficient storage to last through the dry
season.
The best way to utilise rainwater in our
Mediterranean (dry summer/wet winter)
climate is to connect a tank with automatic
mains water backup to the toilet, basins and
washing machine. This leads to significant
water savings because rainwater is used
through the wet months of the year when
indoor use remains constant and regular
rainfall refills the tank.
If space and budget permit large water
storage systems can be installed for external
use with a pump and drip system for garden
irrigation.
33
Water Sensitive Urban Design
Water sensitive development involves
simple design and management practices
that take advantage of natural site features
and minimize negative impacts on the water
cycle. It is part of the movement towards
more sustainable solutions that protect the
environment and maximize use of natural
resources.
Urbanization has resulted in a significant
increase in paved and impervious surfaces.
Paved surfaces have significant adverse
impacts on the water cycle. They contribute
to increased stormwater discharge and the
need for expensive drainage infrastructure.
They also reduce infiltration to the subsoil
preventing water from re-entering the system
to recharge subterranean aquifers or from
being re-used on site by vegetation.
These impacts can be reduced by:
**limiting the area of paved surfaces
stormwater run off from paved
**directing
surfaces to landscaped areas, garden
and lawns rather than the street drainage
system
**
using porous paving/alternative surface
systems
**employing swales and berms
Porous paving/alternative
surfaces
Porous pavement is an alternative to
conventional impermeable pavements with
many stormwater management benefits.
These surfaces allow stormwater to be
filtered by a coarse sub-base and allow
infiltration to the underlying soil.
A number of products are available including:
made from special asphalts or
**pavements
stabilized gravels/aggregates
**concrete grid pavements
ceramic or plastic modular
**concrete,
pavements
These products can be used in conjunction
with underground stormwater tanks which
allow for stormwater infiltration or re-use.
Modules can be interlocked to produce
maximum stability under high weight bearing
load situations.
Filtering
Studies show that oils and greases are
subject to microbial decontamination in
porous paving. The addition of sand filters
and retention trenches with geotextile
fabric lining further aids in decontaminating
stormwater.
34
Water Sensitive Urban Design (cont.)
Infiltration capacity of porous paving in
heavier soils can be improved by:
a retention trench below the
**providing
sub-base
an overflow to the street
**providing
drainage system or other stormwater
management measure
the run off area contributing
**limiting
stormwater to the porous paving surface
Unsuitable soils
Porous paving must be carefully designed in
areas with:
**high water table levels
**soil salinity
soils that collapse in contact with
**clay
water
water as it percolates down. Swales can be
installed separately or as part of a larger
water rain catchment system.
Berms are raised beds or mounds that can
be used to direct water to swales. Ideally
berms and swales should be designed into
the landscape where there is any noticeable
slope to slow and capture run off.
Swales can be grassed, gravel or rocked
and designed to slow and retain the flow
of run off. Soil in the swale should not be
compacted or sealed but should be loose to
encourage absorption.
Swales lined with native plants are
an extremely cost-effective, and often
overlooked low-tech water conservation
technique.
**rock with little or no permeability
Swales and berms
Swales are shallow, low depressions in
the ground designed to encourage the
accumulation of rain and let it infiltrate into
the soil. Swales ideally are tree lined or
vegetated and store water for the immediate
landscape as well as help cleanse the
35
APPENDICES
36
Appendix A
WWLP Endorsement
Application Form
37
Waterwise Landscaper Endorsement
Application Form
I (insert full name of applicant)
Represent (company name) :
Apply to become a Waterwise Landscaper and in support supply the
following details:
Business ABN:
Business address:
Business postal address:
Tel no.:
Fax no.:
Mobile no.:
Email:
Non members of LIAWA please provide the following information:
Qualifications:
No. of years in business:
No. of staff:
Description of business
Scope of works carried out:
Full names of directors and partners:
•
•
Please attach Certificate of Current Registration of Business Name
and details of relevant insurance cover (and Certificate of Currency).
Please attach photos and details of two (2) recent jobs
Waterwise Landscaper Endorsement Guidelines:
1. Read the Waterwise Landscaper Training Manual
2. Successfully complete the assessment.
3. Be committed to design and/or install landscapes according to the
principles contained in the Waterwise Landscaper Programme (WWLP)
and in any further information sent out.
4. Promote the waterwise branding for marketing purposes.
5. Be prepared to undergo an audit process to assess adherence to
Waterwise principles and practices.
If accepted into the program I agree to comply with all requirements as listed
in the programme guidelines. As the principal of the business I confirm that all
designers and/or construction supervisors have completed the Waterwise
Landscaper Program and that new members of the business will complete
the course at the earliest convenience.
Signed:………………………………
Date: ……………………
Appendix B
NEW LAWNS AND GARDENS
APPENDIX B : New Lawns And
Gardens
39
New lawns and gardens
From 1 June 2010
Watering exemption for new lawns and gardens
If you are establishing a new lawn or garden, you may apply for an exemption in order for it to
become fully established. New lawn can refer to roll on lawn, runners, shredded lawn and/or
seed.
This exemption applies to scheme water supplied by the Water Corporation and for garden
bores.
Exemption Rule
Towns south of (and including) Kalbarri and Kalgoorlie can use sprinklers to water a new lawn
and/or garden for up to 35 days from the day of planting, up to three times per day, up to 10mm
per day.
Towns north of and (excluding) Kalbarri and Kalgoorlie can use sprinklers to water a new lawn
and/or garden for up to 35 days from the day of planting, up to three times per day, up to 25mm
per day.
How to apply
The householder must call the Water Corporation on 13 10 39 and request an exemption.
An exemption will be issued when the householder provides the information below.
Required information
When applying for an exemption you need to tell us:
•
•
•
•
•
•
The address of the property;
Your name, mobile, home telephone details and email address;
If you are using a garden bore;
The nature and location of the new planting (ie: front/back, garden/lawn);
The date from which the exemption is requested to commence; and
The name of the person responsible for watering the property.
New lawns and gardens
Breaches
If the householder is granted an exemption and found not to comply with the exemption
conditions, an infringement notice can be issued. The penalty is a $500 fine, which may be
modified to a $100 on the spot fine.
For example, a property being watered more than three times a day, or greater than 10
millimetres (south) or 25 millimetres (north), is in breach of the exemption conditions.
All exemptions cease after 35 days from the date the exemption is requested to commence.
Normal watering rosters apply after this date.
Regardless of who has installed the lawn, plants and irrigation system, the owner of the
property is held responsible for any breach of the exemption rule.
Did you know you could apply for a winter sprinkler ban
exemption?
As a further measure to reduce the amount of water we use the State
Government has introduced a permanent winter sprinkler ban in 2010, to be
effective from 1 June to 31 August each year. It is estimated that the ban will
save up to 5 billion litres of water each year.
The ban applies to scheme and bore water users in Perth, Mandurah and some
towns in the South West. The ban does not apply to towns in and north of the
Goldfields where temperatures are higher and there is typically less winter
rainfall.
If you are establishing a new lawn or garden, you may apply for an exemption
in order for it to become fully established. New lawn can refer to roll on lawn,
runners, shredded lawn and/or seed. This exemption applies to scheme water
supplied by the Water Corporation and for garden bores.
To request an exemption the householder must call the Water Corporation on
13 10 39.
As an industry member did you know you are covered by an automatic
exemption? This means that any person during the course of their employment
in the turf, garden or landscaping industry can operate an irrigation system to the
minimum extent necessary while the system is being installed, maintained, tested
or repaired.
For further information, please visit www.watercorporation.com.au.
Appendix C
GARDEN CONDITIONS IN
WA REMOTE REGIONS
APPENDIX C - Garden Conditions In
Wa Remote Regions
43
Garden Conditions in the goldfields
The Goldfields region is centred on
Kalgoorlie, located 600 km east of Perth. The
main towns in this region include KalgoorlieBoulder, Kambalda, Leonora, Laverton,
Coolgardie and Norseman. KalgoorlieBoulder is the largest outback city in
Australia and the area’s growth in population
has seen an expansion into new housing
developments on the perimeter of the city.
The C.Y.O’Connor Goldfields pipeline
carries water 557 km from Mundaring
Weir to Kalgoorlie, servicing 113 towns
and localities along its journey. Demand
exceeds the supply from the Weir collection
and to keep pace, the Water Corporation
has connected Mundaring to the integrated
scheme to add to the supply. As a result,
the Goldfields have the same level of water
supply security as the Perth Metropolitan
area. The Goldfields leads the way in water
re-usage. In Kalgoorlie and Boulder there are
parks, ovals, a golf course, school ovals and
several major hotel development gardens
being watered with recycled water.
Currently over 4,000 kL of recycled effluent
are used each day in summer. There has
been broad community support for water
conservation measures throughout the
region. North Kalgoorlie Primary School has
been a Waterwise school for over ten years,
and has received an award recognising their
outstanding efforts.
Growing a garden in this region can be
extremely challenging. The region has a dry
climate with hot summers and cool winters.
The average annual rainfall ranges from
223 mm at Leonora through 260 mm at
Kalgoorlie-Boulder to 289 mm at Norseman.
There is considerable variation from year
to year. Thunderstorms provide most of
the summer rainfall, often producing heavy
localised falls in short periods. It is not
uncommon for very little rain to occur for
months, particularly during spring.
January is the hottest month with an
average maximum temperature of 33.6°C
in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, but temperatures
above 40°C occur nearly once a week
when hot, dry, north-to-north easterly winds
arrive. Such high temperatures are usually
followed by a cool change from the south
and occasionally with a thunderstorm. The
majority of the annual average evaporation
occurs from November to February. The
average January rate for Kalgoorlie-Boulder
is 12.7 mm per day, while on a hot, windy
day the evaporation can be over 20 mm.
Winters are cool with July average maximum
and minimum temperatures being 16.5°C
and 4.8°C respectively. For much of the year
east to southeast winds prevail.
44
Garden Conditions in the GREAT SOUTHERN
The Great Southern region encompasses
the eastern section of the south of Western
Australia. The area covers the south coast
from Nornalup to Munglinup and stretches
inland to Brookton and as far east as
Hyden. The Great Southern Region covers
approximately 91,000 km² including the main
towns of Albany, Narrogin, Katanning, Wagin,
and Kojonup.
The south coast has a Mediterranean-type
climate with generally warm summers and
cool, wet winters. However, during summer
the movement of high pressure cells from
west to east brings a commonly repeated
pattern of wind changes from east through
north, west, south and returning to east over
periods of several days to a week or more.
This can bring a large variation in weather
from fine and mild, to hot with thundery
showers, to cool and cloudy with drizzle.
The further east, the greater the extremes.
As one moves north and east from the coast
the rainfall tapers off and the temperature
range increases with colder nights in winter
and generally warmer or hotter days and
nights throughout the year. Heatwaves are
associated with strong north easterly winds
and the late arrival or absence of the sea
breeze. It is not unusual for there to be
extended dry periods during the warmer
months. Growing a garden in this region can
be challenging at times.
45
Garden Conditions in the KIMBERLEY
The Kimberley region is recognised as one
of the world’s most beautiful, yet harshest
environments. Unchanged for millions of
years, the plants and animals have managed
to survive extreme conditions of heat and
cold. Growing a garden in this region can be
quite challenging.
The Kimberley has a tropical climate with
hot and humid summers and warm winters.
The two main broad scale influences are
the band of high pressure known as the
sub-tropical ridge well to the south, and the
monsoon which delivers moist air from the
warm tropical waters to the north. During the
warmer months a heat-trough forms over
the inland Kimberley. There are two distinct
seasons: the ‘wet’ usually from December to
March and the ‘dry’ for the remainder of the
year. Over 75% of the average annual rainfall
falls from January to March associated with
thunderstorms and tropical lows or cyclones.
These can produce heavy rain in short
periods, and often a significant proportion of
the yearly total rainfall can fall in just one or
two days.
January and February. It is not uncommon
for very little rain to occur for months on
end. Temperatures across the region are
consistently high. Summer maxima are
mostly between 34°C and 38°C, while in
June to August it is mostly between 26°C and
29°C. Extremes in temperature are regularly
recorded. Evaporation is high, peaking
around November.
The unreliable nature of the occurrence
and movement of thunderstorms and
tropical systems result in rainfall being
highly variable. Tropical cyclones capable
of strong winds, high seas and heavy rain
can be experienced during the months from
November to April, but are most common in
46
Garden Conditions in the Mid West
The Mid West region is a huge region
stretching from the West Coast between
North West Cape and Lancelin and
extending inland to Coorow, Wiluna and then
east to the WA/NT border.
The SW portion of the region experiences a
Mediterranean climate, characterised by hot,
dry summers and mild, wet winters. Winter
rainfall tapers off as you progress north
and east to be replaced by infrequent and
often heavy falls from mid level rain bands
and cyclones. The east of the region is arid,
semi-desert.
substitute for grass as a cool child friendly
play area, many gardens have large areas of
lawn that are never used or simply used as
fillers. Most gardeners overwater their lawns.
So the more lawn they have the more water
they waste. In a waterwise design the area
of lawn should be minimised and made as
practical as possible.
Temperatures across the region are
consistently high, with summer temperatures
ranging between 28°C to 38°C. Drying
easterly winds prevail across most of the
region for much of the year. Strong sea
breezes are commonly experienced along
the coast in the warmer months. Growing
a garden in this region can be extremely
challenging at times.
In the past water conservation was rarely
considered during the process of creating a
garden. We now know that garden design
can play a significant role in saving water
and we also have access to a greater
range of products that will help us achieve
savings without sacrificing the comfort factor
in the garden. The role of a lawn should
be carefully considered. While there is no
47
Garden Conditions in the PILBARA
The Pilbara region is recognised as one
of the world’s most beautiful, yet harshest
environments. Unchanged for millions of
years, the plants and animals have managed
to survive extreme weather conditions. The
region is mostly hilly away from the coast
and includes several low mountain ranges,
such as the Hamersley, Chichester and
Ophthalmia. Growing a garden in this region
can be extremely challenging.
Rainfall in the Pilbara is low throughout and
quite variable. Annual totals vary from 250450 mm and many years without significant
rainfall occur. The lower totals are typical
of the south where tropical cyclone effects
are less frequent. Most of the summer rain
comes from scattered thunderstorms and
the occasional tropical cyclone. A secondary
peak in the monthly rainfall occurs as a result
of rainfall caused by tropical cloud bands
which intermittently affect the area, mostly in
May and June.
These events can also produce low
maximum temperatures particularly away
from the coast. Most of the region averages
25-30 thunderstorms per annum, although
15-20 is more common near the coast.
Almost all storms occur in the summer. The
coast from Port Hedland to Exmouth Gulf
is the most cyclone prone area in Australia.
One of the most damaging was Cyclone
Joan in December 1975. Joan caused
damage estimated at $20 million. Maximum
wind speeds in Port Hedland reached 208
km/h (132 mph) and that was with the centre
of the cyclone crossing some 50 km west of
the town.
The region contains some of Australia’s
consistently hottest places. Marble Bar has
an average daily maximum temperature
of 38°C or more for all the months from
November – March. Only on the coast
is there some relief to the summer heat
provided by sea breezes. The normal inland
maximum temperature range in summer
is 37-42°C. The coast is 2-3°C cooler but
usually more humid. Several days with 45°C
maximum temperatures occur each year.
Winter maximum temperatures are mild/
warm with temperatures in the 23-27°C
range in the south grading to 25-30°C in the
north. Minimum temperatures range from
25°C in midsummer to 12°C in July near the
coast and 8-12°C inland. Winter is a short
6-8 week period and retreats quickly by late
August.
48
Garden Conditions in the SOUTH WEST
The South West region of Western Australia
comprises of coastal communities such as
Bunbury and Busselton, as well as the inland
towns of Donnybrook, Greenbushes, Boyup
Brook, Bridgetown and Manjimup. The South
West supports a wide range of activities such
as tourism, mining, viticulture, agriculture,
forestry, art and craft, fishing and recreational
pursuits.
Bunbury and Busselton are supplied with
water from deep bores, while most inland
towns in the south of the region rely on
surface collected water held in dams.
Drinking water supplies have been under
pressure for the last few years, due to
climate change and rapid population growth
in the South West, culminating in water
restrictions being imposed on some towns in
recent years.
Growing a garden in this region can be
challenging at times. The region experiences
a Mediterranean climate, characterised by
hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The
climate is strongly influenced by the position
of the axis of the band of high pressure
known as the sub-tropical ridge, and in the
warmer months by the development in the
easterlies to the north of the ridge of a trough
of low pressure near the West Coast. For
much of the year the ridge is located to the
south allowing the east or south-easterly
winds to prevail. During the cooler months
the ridge periodically moves to the north
allowing cold fronts to pass over the west
coast and deliver much of the annual rainfall.
The annual mean rainfall in Bunbury is 724
mm. Rain occurs there on about four days
out of every seven on average during winter.
Heavy rain may be produced by strong
winter cold fronts.
It is not unusual for there to be extended dry
periods during the warmer months. Summer
maximum temperatures near the coast are
strongly dependent upon the arrival time
of the reliable sea breezes. Heatwaves are
associated with strong easterly winds and
the late arrival or absence of the
sea breeze. Winds are mainly easterly
but varied in the warmer months by
reliable afternoon sea breezes and in the
cooler months by the westerlies that are
associated with the bulk of the annual
rainfall. Temperatures vary across the
region with Augusta being the coolest town
in summer with a February average of
23.3°C, while Bridgetown has the hottest
average temperature of 29.7°C in January.
Bridgetown also has the lowest minimum
temperature with an average of 4.4°C in July.
49
Appendix D
Water Corporation Partners &
List of Waterwise Specialists
50
Wise up with a
Waterwise Specialist
The Water Corporation is committed to forming partnerships with business and industry to promote the efficient use of
water. To help you to save water, the Water Corporation has teamed up with business and industry to develop a suite of
Waterwise Programs.
Our Waterwise Specialists can help you save water both inside and outside the home by providing specialist advice on
waterwise practices, products and services.
For more information please visit www.watercorporation.com.au or contact us on 13 10 39.
Waterwise Associates
Waterwise Associates work with the Corporation to promote the efficient use of water throughout the
community.
Waterwise Councils
The Corporation and the Department of Water, with support from International Council for Local
Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) – Local Governments for Sustainability, have developed the Waterwise
Councils Program to promote sound water management and improve water use efficiency in local
governments and their communities.
Waterwise Display Villages
Visit a Waterwise Display Village if you are planning to build, re-landscape, or if you want to make your
existing home or garden more waterwise. See first hand waterwise garden designs, waterwise plant
selection, as well as waterwise devices for inside and outside of the home.
Waterwise Garden Assessors
Transform your garden with a waterwise garden assessment. Trained Waterwise Garden
Specialists assess the existing water efficiency of your garden and make recommendations to reduce
your water use while still maintaining an attractive and functional garden to suit your lifestyle.
Waterwise Garden Centres
Looking for advice on how to save water in your garden? Visit a Waterwise Garden Centre and ask their
expert staff who have been trained in establishing waterwise gardens, plant selection, watering zones
and much more. Transform your garden into an attractive, low maintenance and cost effective
waterwise garden.
Wise up with a
Waterwise Specialist
Waterwise Garden Irrigators
A water efficient irrigation system is the cornerstone feature of a waterwise garden. Waterwise Garden
Irrigators are qualified to install and maintain water efficient garden watering systems to an industry
standard.
Waterwise Landscapers
A waterwise garden can be attractive, functional with many designs to suit your lifestyle. A Waterwise
Landscaper has all the latest techniques to make your garden look amazing while being waterwise, low
maintenance, functional and adding value to your home.
Waterwise Irrigation Design Shops
The experts at a Waterwise Irrigation Design Shop can provide all the answers to your questions about
waterwise irrigation design. Staff can provide advice at any point of your design, whether you are starting
from scratch or improving or replacing an existing system.
Waterwise Lawnmowing Contractors
Discover techniques to make your lawn more water efficient. A Waterwise Lawnmowing Contractor can
help you maintain your lawn in tip top condition without using more water than you need to.
Waterwise Partners
As the demand for water efficient products and services in the community grows so do our partnerships
with business and industry. Waterwise Partners have staff who are trained in the latest waterwise
techniques and concepts and actively promote waterwise products and services.
Waterwise Plumbers
A Waterwise Plumber can really be your friend when it comes to giving you the very latest advice on water
efficient plumbing practices and products. Make sure the next time you spot a leak, or need help with an
installation that the plumber you choose is a Waterwise Plumber.
Waterwise Water Auditors
Looking for ways to save water in your business? You might be surprised how much you can save with
just a good strategy in place. A Waterwise Water Auditor can investigate where your water is going, where
it shouldn’t and ways of making your water use more efficient. This can not only save you water but also
money as well.