Many Perth homeowners want to avoid fines for watering on the wrong day. Perth’s watering rules are straightforward once you know what to check. Your street or lot number and your water source determine when you can use sprinklers. If you are planning reticulation work, understanding these rules helps avoid issues during installation or repairs.
Our Reticulation Installation Perth page explains how irrigation systems are designed to suit local watering rules, including zoning, run times, and controller setup.
This guide covers Perth’s official watering roster, the winter sprinkler switch-off period, and the key differences between scheme water and bore water rules.
The Official Two-Day Watering Roster in Perth and Mandurah
In Perth and Mandurah, sprinkler watering days are based on the last digit of your house number (or lot number if you do not have a street number).
Use this table for the Perth and Mandurah roster:
- Last digit 1: Wednesday and Saturday
- Last digit 2: Thursday and Sunday
- Last digit 3: Friday and Monday
- Last digit 4: Saturday and Tuesday
- Last digit 5: Sunday and Wednesday
- Last digit 6: Monday and Thursday
- Last digit 7: Tuesday and Friday
- Last digit 8: Wednesday and Saturday
- Last digit 9: Thursday and Sunday
- Last digit 0: Friday and Monday
You may only run sprinklers once per day on your allocated watering days.
Approved Watering Times
Even on the correct watering day, sprinklers can only operate:
- Before 9:00 am, or
- After 6:00 pm
Watering outside these times can result in a fine.
Winter Sprinkler Switch-Off
Every year, Perth and Mandurah residents must follow the mandatory Winter Sprinkler Switch-Off:
- Dates: 1 June to 31 August
- Applies to: Scheme water and bore water users
- Rule: Automatic irrigation systems must be switched off
During this period, automatic sprinklers cannot be used at all.
How to stay compliant
Physically turn your irrigation controller to OFF or System Off. This helps prevent accidental watering, including after power outages or resets.
Scheme Water vs Bore Water in Perth
In Perth and Mandurah, scheme and domestic garden bore users follow the same two rostered sprinkler days (outside winter), plus the same approved watering times.
If you are unsure whether your property has a bore, look for a small green or grey lid in the lawn or a garden bed. This often indicates the bore head.
Watering Outside Your Roster
Rules and allowances can be strict, and exemptions may require approval.
New lawns and gardens
If you need to water outside your rostered days for establishment, you generally need to apply for a temporary exemption through the Water Corporation. (Always check the current requirements before watering outside the roster.)
System testing and maintenance
You can test your irrigation system for a short time. Water Corporation guidance allows testing for up to 2 minutes per station on rostered watering days, before 9am or after 6pm.
Hand watering
Hand watering with a trigger nozzle or watering can is often treated differently to sprinklers, but restrictions can still apply during winter switch-off periods. Check current rules if you are unsure.
How to Turn Off Your Sprinkler System Controller for Winter
When 1 June arrives:
- Locate your irrigation controller
- Turn the dial or switch to OFF or System Off
- Confirm no programs remain active
Using the physical off setting is the safest way to prevent accidental watering during winter.
If you are unsure how to turn off your controller, search the model name online and follow the manual.
Perth Reticulation Watering Checklist
Use this checklist to stay compliant:
- Check your rostered sprinkler days using your street or lot number
- Water only once per day on your allocated days
- Water only before 9am or after 6pm
- Switch automatic sprinklers OFF from 1 June to 31 August
A practical tip is to set phone reminders:
- 31 May: Turn sprinklers off
- 1 September: Turn sprinklers back on
For current watering rules, exemptions, and to confirm your rostered days by address, use the official Water Corporation “Check your watering days” tool.