The Water Corporation is reminding Great Southern households not to use their sprinklers this winter in order to save up to five billion litres of water.

The annual switch-off of reticulated water systems began on June 1 and will be enforced until August 31.

Residents across the Great Southern, South West and Perth regions have been urged to switch-off their sprinklers during winter since 2010, and are at-risk of facing a $100 fine if caught by inspectors.

Water Corporation demand delivery manager Damien Postma said while the initiative was mandatory, households, businesses and community facilities could make a huge difference to water savings by ensuring compliance.

“With heavy rain forecast this week, and cooler, wintry conditions setting in, we’re asking people living across the Great Southern to do the right thing again, by switching off their garden reticulation now and leaving it off until the hot weather returns,” he said.

“Our gardens don’t need additional watering in winter.

“Lawns and many gardens go dormant and can struggle to thrive if they’re overwatered.”

Water Minister Don Punch said the conservation efforts help ensure the State’s long-term water security, assisted with a $2.7 billion allocation for new water infrastructure — including planning for Albany’s desalination plant — in the 2026-27 State Budget.

“Securing Western Australia’s water future is a key priority for the Cook Labor Government, and that’s why we’re investing a record $2.7b in water infrastructure to support our growing State,” he said.

“Switching off sprinklers is a simple step everyone can take, and it will help save hundreds of millions of litres of water across our community.

“This annual switch off applies across Perth and Mandurah, and parts of the South West and Great Southern, and it plays an important role in protecting our long-term water security.”