Switch Off Your Sprinklers for Winter in Perth in 2026

Winter is the easiest season to save water in Perth because rainfall can cover most garden needs. In 2026, the annual sprinkler switch off is a reminder to pause automatic watering, check your system and reset your garden routine for cooler weather. If you are in the switch off area and your sprinklers run by mistake, you can be fined, even if the controller changed after a power outage. The good news is that a proper winter shut down takes little time and it can prevent leaks, wasted water and spring start up headaches.

Learn what the 2026 switch off means, how to turn your system off safely, and how to keep plants healthy with simple waterwise habits until spring

The 2026 Winter Sprinkler Switch Off Rules Are Clear And Easy To Follow

The sprinkler switch off runs from 1 June to 31 August each year and it applies to both households and businesses in Perth, Mandurah and parts of the South West and Great Southern. It also applies to scheme water users and domestic garden bore users, so the water source does not change the rule.

If you are unsure whether your address is included, use the Water Corporation online checker. Switching off early is a practical way to avoid accidental watering and to lock in water savings for the warmer months.

If you are seen using sprinklers during the switch off period in the included areas, you risk a $100 fine. Licensed groundwater users may have different enforcement pathways, but the expectation to switch off still applies.

Turning Your Controller Off Properly Prevents Accidental Watering

Start with the controller because it is the most common reason sprinklers run in winter. Set the controller to Off, Standby or Rain Delay, depending on your model. If your controller has a seasonal adjust feature, leave it for spring rather than trying to reduce run times during winter, because sprinklers should be off in the switch off period.

Check the date and time on the controller and confirm that the program is not set to restart automatically. Some controllers resume schedules after a blackout if the backup battery is weak. Replacing batteries before winter helps prevent unwanted run cycles.

If you manage more than one program, check each program screen so a hidden schedule does not remain active. For added confidence, take a photo of your spring settings so you can restore them quickly in September.

Shutting Off Water Supply And Pressure Protects Valves And Fittings

After the controller is off, consider whether you should isolate the water supply to your reticulation line. If your system is connected to scheme water, turning off the irrigation isolation valve reduces the chance of a leak going unnoticed while you are relying on rain.

If your system runs off a bore or pump, switch off power to the pump at the isolator. This reduces the risk of dry running and it stops the system from starting if a controller setting changes.

In low lying areas, water can sit in pipework and valve boxes. If you have manual drain points, open them briefly to relieve pressure and encourage drainage. For drip zones, a quick flush through the end cap can remove sediment so the line is clean for spring.

Winter Maintenance Makes Spring Start Up Faster And Cheaper

Winter is a good time to service a reticulation system because you can work without rushing to restore watering schedules. Walk the yard and check sprinkler heads for cracks, blocked nozzles and sunken risers. Replace damaged heads now so you do not forget when spring arrives.

Look for signs of leaks such as soggy patches, algae growth or areas that stay damp even after several dry days. Leaks often show up around valve boxes, swing joints and connectors that have been stressed by roots or movement in sandy soil.

If you have filtration on a bore line or drip zones, clean the filter element and check seals. A clean filter improves flow and helps zones run evenly when you restart.

You Can Keep Plants Healthy Without Using Sprinklers

The switch off is about sprinklers, not plant care. In winter, most established lawns and garden beds need far less water than you expect. Focus on soil health and moisture retention so rainfall is used efficiently.

Mulch garden beds to reduce evaporation and to stabilise soil temperature. If you notice spray hitting paths in summer, use winter to correct alignment, but rely on rain and hand watering for winter plant needs.

Hand watering is permitted during the winter sprinkler ban, so you can still use a hand held hose with a trigger nozzle or a watering can when plants genuinely need it. Prioritise new plants, pots under cover and seedlings that miss rainfall. Water slowly so moisture reaches the root zone rather than running off the surface.

Rainwater Tanks And Targeted Watering Can Support Sensitive Areas

If you have a rainwater tank connected to an irrigation line, the sprinkler switch off does not apply to systems using water collected by rainwater tanks. Even so, water only when necessary because winter rainfall can often cover most needs.

For gardens sheltered by eaves or dense canopy, a short hand watering routine can be more effective than running sprinklers. Micro irrigation and drip lines are useful for targeted watering, especially where you are keeping new planting alive through its first winter.

New Lawns And Gardens Need An Approved Exemption

If you are establishing a new lawn or garden during winter, do not assume you are automatically exempt. You may need to apply for a watering exemption to use sprinklers during the switch off period. The property owner is responsible for compliance, even if a contractor installed the lawn or plants.

Check the exemption conditions carefully and keep your approval details on hand. If you need to test your system after a repair or blackout, follow the official testing guidance so you stay compliant.

A Simple Spring Restart Plan Helps You Avoid Overwatering In September

When the switch off ends, avoid jumping straight back to summer run times. Spring weather in Perth can still deliver useful rainfall, so start with conservative schedules and adjust gradually.

Check each zone for coverage and fix issues before increasing run times. A quick inspection and nozzle clean can restore spray patterns and prevent misting that wastes water.

Use seasonal adjust settings to scale programs rather than rewriting every start time. Winter is also a good time to tidy valve boxes, label zones and replace worn seals before spring.

Contact WA Reticulation Supplies

If you want help preparing for the 2026 winter sprinkler switch off, WA Reticulation Supplies can assist with practical advice and the right parts for your system. We stock sprinkler heads, valves, pipe fittings, filters and controllers so you can shut down cleanly, fix leaks and restart smoothly in spring.

Whether you are on scheme water, a domestic garden bore or a rainwater tank system, our team can help you choose compatible components and improve the efficiency of your reticulation setup. Contact WA Reticulation Supplies today for expert advice and reliable irrigation products across WA.

Call our expert team today at Armadale on (08) 9399 9399, Midland on (08) 9274 5500, or Rockingham on (08) 9529 1000.

See the Water Corporation Website for more details on the Winter Sprinkler Switch-off