Watering in parks and reserves

The use of water in our gardens, parks and reserves helps to maintain an attractive community environment.

The City prides itself on having high-quality sports fields, parklands, playgrounds, recreation and environmental reserves, and river foreshores. Watering these spaces is important as it:

• helps trees and plants grow where roads and paving stop water from reaching roots
• provides sports grounds with the best possible playing conditions
• provides shade and habitats for local flora and fauna
• provides amenity throughout the City's parklands.

However, with Australia’s water resources reaching critical point, it is up to us all to balance enjoying green parks with being waterwise.

When does the City use irrigation?

The City irrigates its parks and reserves at the coolest and most effective time, which is usually at night. The irrigation is mostly run by automated systems, with a few hand-shifted sprinklers still in use. With close to 200 parks, the City has reduced the number requiring hand-shifted sprinklers to less than 30. More than 140 parks now have automated irrigation.

Why do I see sprinklers on during the day?

When new turf is installed, day watering is needed to ensure the best growth and establishment. The water is drawn from ground water bores and usage is kept to a minimum. Day time watering sites are sign-posted.

When does the automated system run?

The automated irrigation systems usually operate at night or during early mornings. This is when there is the least amount of evaporation.

Once a week, the City tests each large irrigation system to ensure any damaged sprinklers, pipe breakages or leaks are corrected. During the test, the systems are turned on during office hours for about three minutes per section. This is the minimum time irrigation fitters need to assess a group of sprinklers.

How do I report broken sprinklers?

Please report sprinkler issues using our irrigation issues in park form.

When are my watering days?

Watering days and limits are set by the Water Corporation. Visit the Water Corporation website to see when your watering days are.

For more watering information, contact Water Corporation’s 24-hour Waterwise Helpline on 13 10 39.