The Overflow | Winter 2022 by Irrigation Australia

Quarterly Publication of Irrigation Australia (WA Region)

NO. 69 WINTER 2022

IN THIS ISSUE Halesworth Park Upgrade New Waterwise garden offers Aligning the domestic garden bore sprinkler roster Peel Integrated Water Initiative Design for the best

City of Joondalup named Platinum Waterwise Council Big savings from pump upgrade The State Groundwater Investigation Program Spalding Park Golf Club upgrade Rainfall and Streamflow Update

Contents

Keep up-to-date with irrigation in Australia, visit the IAL website at www.irrigationaustralia.com.au

Halesworth Park Upgrade

Mark Your Diary

New Waterwise garden offers

Aligning the domestic garden bore sprinkler roster

2-5

Urban irrigation Design (Virtual)

Peel Integrated Water Initiative

9 - 12

Commercial irrigation Design (Virtual)

11 - 12

Electrofusion & Butt Welding - Perth, WA

Design for the best

16 - 19

Waterwise Council Training Program - Irrigation Efficiency Course

City of Joondalup named Platinum Waterwise Council

23 - 26

Waterwise Council Training Program - Irrigation Efficiency Course

Big savings from pump upgrade

The State Groundwater Investigation Program

13 - 16

Spalding Park Golf Club upgrade

October 2022

Rainfall and Streamflow Update

August 2022

September 2022

28 - 30

Meter Installation & Validation (Virtual)

Waterwise Garden Workshops - Perth Garden Festival (Langley Park, Perth)

November 2022 Basics in Drip Irrigation (EOI - training@ irrigation.org.au)

Cover: Halesworth Park

Basics in Wiring and Electrical Troubleshooting (EOI - training@irrigation.org.au)

National Office Staff Bryan Ward - Chief Executive Officer

bryan.ward@irrigation.org.au

Geoff Harvey - National Training & Marketing Manager

geoff.harvey@irrigation.org.au

Andres Jaramillo - Training and Certification Officer

andres.jaramillo@irrigation.org.au

Marike Froneman - Accountant (part time)

marike.froneman@irrigation.org.au

Chris Delphin - Business Administration Manager

chris.delphin@irrigation.org.au

Tony Wilson - RTO Training Administrator

tony.wilson@irrigation.org.au

Kasey Barton - Training and Administration Officer

kasey.barton@irrigation.org.au

Martine Haarhoff - Business Administration Assistant

martine.haarhoff@irrigation.org.au

WA Office Staff Tracy Martin - National Membership & Regions Manager

tracy.martin@irrigation.org.au

Rebecca New - WA Projects Officer

rebecca.new@irrigation.org.au

15 - 16

AHC32419 Certificate III in Irrigation Technology - Bibra Lake, WA

22 - 25

Commercial irrigation Design (Virtual)

December 2022 13 - 16

Meter Installation & Validation (Virtual) WA Member Christmas Breakfast

For further training information please visit: www.coie.com.au

The Overflow is the quarterly publication of Irrigation Australia (WA Region). Articles published are views expressed by the authors. IAL(WA) is not responsible for their accuracy and disclaims any liability which may arise from any person acting on the materials contained within. Editorial content does not necessarily represent the views or policy of Irrigation Australia (WA Region) Publisher/Editor: IAL WA Region, PO Box 3401 Success, WA 6964 Tel: (08) 6263 7774

Authorised sprinkler testing signs If you are testing an irrigation system outside of water rostering hours, as a gardening industry professional, you are not required to register for an exemption with the Water Corporation. However, to promote that you are doing authorised work and avoid a possible infringement, we recommend you have a sign clearly displayed at the front of the property. Magnetic sign: $95ea non-members or $65ea for IAL Members All signs approximately 400mm x 300mm. To download the order form please click here.

Chairman's Report

From the CEO Bryan Ward

Darryl Wylie

Welcome to the Winter Edition of the Overflow For many of us, winter is a time to quote new business, chase down new leads and prepare for the season to come. Winter is also a good time of year to consider planning training for yourself or your team members through Irrigation Australia certification and/or product-specific training using your supplier’s online training or at your business.

The excitement is building about our major irrigation conference in Adelaide in October this year at the Adelaide Convention Centre, held in conjunction with the International Commission on Irrigation & Drainage (ICID). Close to 150 papers will be delivered across the two parallel events by expert international and local presenters and there will be several interesting workshops including:

Having the correct amount of stock at the right time will be the key to success.

• Renewable Energy - Join this session to learn about how farmers are taking advantage of renewables, what else can be done to support their transition, how microgrids could be enabled by a modernised grid and what’s on the horizon for agriculture including energy storage, hydrogen and electric farm vehicles. • Geosynthetics – at this one-day workshop learn about how to enhance the performance of canals, reservoirs and dams using geosynthetics. • Women Working in Water - To highlight the important role that women have working in the water sector and to recognise the significant contribution that women make to the irrigation industry both in Australia and globally and to encourage the next generation of young professionals to consider the irrigation industry as a great career opportunity

With things slowly getting back to normal it has been nice to be able to visit regional areas and meet with irrigation distributors, Irrigation contractors, growers and end-users.

There are also interesting technical and partner tours on offer and our large exhibition will feature over 100 leading industry suppliers showcasing their products and technology and attendance at this 3-day exhibition is free of charge.

It is always a pleasure to meet and be in the company of these people that are excited and passionate about the work they do.

Early bird pricing for conference registrations is still available until 31 July and for further information and registration details visit www.icid2022.com.au

Some companies will choose to increase their stock holding of critical components to ensure continuity of supply to their customers and end-users. Container shipping times will continue to cause supply chain issues for some companies

In light of the recent media statement from the Hon. Dave Kelly, Minister for Water, informed us that the “Plan to rebalance precious groundwater resources” would take effect on September 1st 2022. We are supportive of the need to protect our water resources and to use them wisely, but the IALWA still believes there is a better way of managing water usage. Although we did not get the outcome we had hoped for we appreciate the support from the Water Minister and Water Corporation who have issued a range of Waterwise initiatives. They include: • Increasing the Waterwise controller rebates from 600 to 2000 • 2000 Spring sprinkler check up by Waterwise garden irrigators • Waterwise rebate’s to help bore owners gardens transition across from 3 days to 2 days a week watering. At the time of this issue going to publication, IALWA is organising free on line Waterwise Irrigation rebate sessions for Waterwise Irrigation Stores and Waterwise Garden Irrigators.

As previously advised, I will be retiring from the position of Irrigation Australia CEO after the conference in October and this will therefore be my last contribution to the Overflow. When I think about what has been the high light of my time as CEO, it is the people. Working with a passionate team who all share the objective of a better irrigation industry, including the member association, has led to significant progress while I have been in the role. The industry has matured in the past years. Some of the notable changes I’ve seen include; the establishment of a long-overdue irrigation trade qualification – the Certificate III in Irrigation Technology, the adoption of new meeting standards in several states (particularly NSW), and consequently an increase in certified meter installers and validators, and three new certifications – Certified Store Meter Installer and Validator, Certified Butt Welder, Certified Electrofusion Welder. Over this period there have been significant irrigation projects in Indonesia and India which have utilised the range of skills within our membership base, demonstrating recognition by the federal government of member abilities. I believe it is a great time to be getting into the industry and I encourage young people to see irrigation as a viable career and to be willing to undertake training to increase their knowledge and skills. Our industry has a shortage of skilled young people, so the opportunities are plentiful. The Irrigation Australia Board are in the final stages of selecting your next CEO and an announcement can be expected in the next few weeks. I look forward to watching Irrigation Australia continue to go from strength to strength from our retirement home in Penguin Tasmania.

Thank you and I hope you enjoy reading The Overflow Winter edition.

Thank you all and stay safe and well.

Darryl Wylie IAL (WA) Industry Chairman

Bryan Ward IAL Chief Executive Officer

The Overflow | Winter 2022

Regional Update By Tracy Martin, National Membership & Regions Manager & Rebecca New, WA Projects Officer

Welcome to the Winter edition of The Overflow magazine. The last quarter has been extremely busy from an internal office point of view with the development, transition and launch of our new Customer Relations Management system. Our new system went live on 1st May and has been designed with self-manage functionality. The system operates in a single sign-up format which easily permits members and industry colleagues switching between platforms (ie: Irrigation Australia, Centre of Irrigation Excellence and Waterwise Programs) with ease, which makes for a better customer experience. Once logged in you can easily update your business details, set your preferences on information we send you to

The Overflow | Winter 2022

eliminate topics that are not of interest. Your invoices will be easily accessible and identifiable from the “transaction” tab so you can pay online or download an invoice with ease. This functionality alleviates missing an invoice that was sent via email and ended up in your junk folder. You can register for events and/or training courses and easily access online courses that you are participating in by simply selecting the respective tab on your profile and clicking “access”. It’s all at your fingertips.

Due to Covid restraints on access to sites of interest, the WA region has not been able to host any member events till now. Our first event for 2022 will be held at Woodchester Reserve in Nollamara on 9th August.

If you are an existing user and haven’t yet used the new system, we invite you to log in with your email address and set up your password. For newcomers, simply “create an account” and follow the prompts.

The irrigation system at the Reserve had reached its end-of-lifecycle and was due for replacement, as part of the City of Stirling's 2020-21 irrigation capital works program.

The Woodchester Reserve is located within the City of Stirling local government area. The Reserve contains sporting grounds, including a long jump pitch and is home to the Tuart Hill Junior Soccer Club and other amateur football clubs.

Installation process: Ability to install the new system with minimal impact on the club users and public. The WA Regional Committee has met with Department of Water & Environmental Regulation, Water Corporation and Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development over the past 3 months to secure ongoing partnerships that support the suite of activities and objectives associated with the WA Strategic Plan, which directly support the local irrigation industry. Woodchester Reserve

The talk covered the following key areas of the replacement system:

Nozzle size: What nozzle size to use due to the windy conditions?

Sprinkler type: What model sprinkler to use at this location?

Reserve usage: What is the Reserve predominantly used for?

Spacing requirements: What spacing to achieve the best water application rates?

Hydrozoning: Ability to manage the water requirements across the reserve.

INTERNATIONAL

CONGRESS 73rd IEC MEETING 30 MAY - 6 JUNE 2022

ADELAIDE SOUTH AUSTRALIA

INTERNATIONAL

CONGRESS 73rd IEC MEETING 3RD OCT - 10TH OCT 2022

ADELAIDE SOUTH AUSTRALIA

5TH OCT TO 7 TH OCT 2022

Irrigation Australia is proud of the long history of working closely and constructively with the WA Government, it’s various Departments and Agencies to improve the efficiency of irrigation systems in urban, commercial and rural environments, and continue to promote water efficiency messaging across the state, to encourage greater ownership and sustainability of WA’s water.

The Greatest Irrigation Show on Earth With international delegates attending from many countries, and 100+ leading irrigation industry suppliers exhibiting their products and technology, ICID 2022 is a must-not-miss.

Workshops • Women Working in Water Forum • Renewable Energy Workshop • One Basin Workshop

• Geosynthetic Workshops • Murray Darling Basin Workshop • Smarter Irrigation for Profit

Keynote Speakers

Event Supporter

Hon Karlene Maywald

Attend the FREE Exhibition

1500+

Ken Baldwin

Hon Tom Koutsantonis MP

Conference Delegates

General enquiries please contact:

ENCANTA: P +61 8 9389 1488 E events@encanta.com.au

Irrigation Australia: P 1300 949 891 E info@irrigation.org.au

Rosalie Auricht GCPA

2000+

Exhibition Visitors

Prof Andrew Campbell

WATERWISE – WINTER 2022

IALWA met with Water Corporation for the quarterly stakeholder meeting on 20th June 2022 and discussed running the previous two initiatives in 2021/2022 again for 2022/2023 season. The Spring Sprinkler Check Up Program has been introduced to assist Perth and Peel households to maintain the amenity of their lawns and gardens while minimising water use and are offering residential customers a free irrigation check. For the second year, this program will be running and is exclusive to members endorsed in the Waterwise Garden Irrigator Program and is focused on checking customer systems and providing waterwise advise with a small number of minor repairs included. The Weather Based Irrigation Rebate will also be available again for Water Corporation residential customers in the Perth and Peel regions for up to $300 for the purchase and professional set-up of selected weather smart irrigation products. This season, 2,000 rebates will be available and is exclusively for customers to engage with members endorsed in the Waterwise Programs.

Both initiatives were hugely popular last season with the total number of applications surpassed before their respective closing dates and we hope this season will be just as good. IALWA hosted four online information sessions pertaining to the Weather Based Irrigation Rebate, with 146 members of the Waterwise Programs participating. The sessions provided detailed information about the initiative and included brief presentations on programming by the three manufacturers (Rain Bird, Hunter and HR Products). We thank the representatives and the Waterwise members who participated in these sessions. With the new website going live on 1st May 2022, Waterwise members can now download their endorsement certificates and Waterwise logos directly from their profile. The new system also allows members to complete any re-endorsement activities pertaining to their renewal for the next year at the click of a button. If you are interested to know how your business can benefit from being a Waterwise member, please visit:

www.waterwiseprograms.com.au select your location and click on “Become Waterwise” or contact the WA office on 08 6263 7774. Your guide to A WATER EFFICIENT GARDEN

WA Edition

Drought and water restrictions in many parts of Australia have shown us that water is a scarce and precious resource. Many gardeners have found to their surprise that their plants survived, even thrived, despite receiving less water due to restrictions. In other words, most gardens are regularly over-watered. Just because water restrictions permit watering at a certain time doesn’t mean you need to water. And even where there are no restrictions we should all be doing our best to conserve water. Reducing the water you give your plants will also save your time, effort and money and you will still have a healthy garden.

Rain

Transpiration

The Water Cycle Water irrigation

Evaporation

Runoff Mulch

Soil

Drainage

Root zone approx 30cm

The diagram above shows that water is added to the soil through rain or irrigation. It is lost from the soil surface through evaporation and is transpired through the leaves of plants as they grow naturally. Water can also run off the surface and drain through the soil.

The challenge is to manage water applications so that there is just enough water in the root zone for your plants to stay healthy.

Plants draw water from the soil where their roots grow. If you overfill the soil, water will be wasted through runoff or by draining below the root zone. Additionally, too much water will result in a waterlogged soil that can cause root rot and disease that kill plants. If the soil dries out for long periods or too often it can become water repellent and your plants could wilt and die.

• •

Important steps in creating a healthy landscape that uses less water are:

• •

Understanding your soil type. Improving the soil so that water infiltrates and is held effectively. Understanding when and how to supplement natural rainfall only when necessary. Installing a professionally designed, wellmaintained irrigation system.

Topics covered:

The water cycle The importance of soil Upgrade your irrigation system Installing your system

When to water Flow & pressure Sprinkler Watering Run Times Seasonal Adjustment Settings

Watering new lawns & gardens Hidden leaks Irrigation System Checklist Do you need help?

Do’s & Don’t’s

The popular “Guide to a Water Efficient Garden” digital booklet continues to be promoted online through various social media channels. We encourage members and industry to distribute this to the community. For garden enthusiasts, helpful tips and tricks are being posted weekly on the Waterwise Irrigation Programs facebook page.

NEW DATES ANNOUNCED WATERWISE GARDEN WORKSHOPS

28th - 29th - 30th

Oct 2022

to be held within the Perth Garden & Outdoor Living Festival Garden enthusiasts will gain an understanding of waterwise lawn care, attractive lawn alternatives, efficient irrigation and how to improve Perth’s soils. Come along to watch live demonstrations and the opportunity to ask an expert. These Workshops will be held Friday, Saturday & Sunday only commencing 11.00am. Visit the Waterwise Garden Workshop webpage on the Perth Garden & Outdoor Living Festival website to learn more & register.

Click Here

WA Irrigation Traineeships NOW AVAILABLE AHC32419 Certificate III in Irrigation Technology Overview Irrigation Australia is excited to advise that there are now opportunities for irrigation industry businesses wanting to employ a fully funded trainee in Western Australia. This training course includes everything an employee would need to learn to design, operate and maintain irrigation systems in a wide range of professional environments, such as:

• Local government (councils) • Landscapers

• Irrigation retail outlets • Irrigation contractors

Once the trainee has successfully completed the course, they will receive a Nationally Recognised Qualification as a Qualified Irrigation Technician.

Traineeships available for • School-based students • School leavers 2021 • Long and short term unemployed

Duration 2 Years

Delivery method ✓ Virtual ✓ Face to face in our training facility ✓ Onsite Contact us today to discuss eligibility requirement on 1300 949 891 or email us at training@irrigation.org.au

Learn about the course topics here https://www.coie.com.au/course/certificate_iii_in_irrigation

Halesworth Park – City of Wanneroo Article by Chris Langsford, Coordinator Parks Technical at the City of Wanneroo The City of Wanneroo is one of Australia’s fastest growing local government areas, located on the north-eastern fringe of the Perth metropolitan area, between 12 and 60 kilometres from the Perth CBD. Designed in consultation with local sporting groups, the Halesworth Park sporting precinct officially opened to the public in September 2021. The $20.7 million project benefits sporting clubs in Perth’s northern corridor, as well as John Butler Primary College and Alkimos College with new amenities including 2 multi-sport ovals, 16 multi-use hardcourts, cricket nets, a dual-use path, children’s play area, exercise pods and picnic facilities. The City of Wanneroo committed $11.5 million to the Halesworth Park project and received funding contributions of $5 million from the Federal Government, $2 million from the State Government, $1.2 million from the LWP

The Overflow | Winter 2022

Property Group and $980,000 from the WA Department of Education.

• •

During discussions with the majority of local government partners and key State Government agencies, future proofing against global warming, water shortages, energy costs and other environmental impacts were emphasised as key priorities of the design. As a result, a variety of sustainability initiatives were initially considered as part of the overall design. Energy conservation initiatives included: • provision of control systems such as energy smart lighting control and localised light switches. Water conservation initiatives included: • bioswale or underground storage cells for infiltration of stormwater runoff

landscaping incorporating low water use optimising limited water resources in accordance with the North West Water Strategy.

Environmental clearing initiatives included: • preservation of native vegetation on the site • landscaping design incorporating sun and wind protection, existing native vegetation and rehabilitation areas • environmental offsets. The project was delivered by the City of Wanneroo’s in-house project management team and Civil Construction and Mining Services Contractor RJ Vincent. RJ Vincent sub-contracted the landscaping works to Phase Three Landscape, with the irrigation installed by New Ground Irrigation and the turf supplied and laid by Banksia Brook Turf.

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Further benefits include the ability for City staff to monitor and control the irrigation systems off-site, resulting in a reduction in operational costs.

Irrigation install

The bore was drilled to a depth of 65 metres at a width of 350mm, with a 250mm casing installed and gravelpacked. A 12 metre stainless steel screen was installed at the base of the hole, with a GRUNDFOS model SP 125‐6‐A 55kW three‐phase submersible pump with an MMS8000 motor installed to enable a flow of 25 litres per second at a total head of 127.1 metre TDH. The installation of the irrigation system was undertaken by New Ground Irrigation on behalf of Phase Three Landscape. The system was installed with 150mm RRJ Class 12 PVC with the ability to isolate the 2 ovals from one another in case of a mainline break. The system uses Hunter I-25 sprinklers to the active ovals controlled by Bermad Valves with Hunter 1-20s and Toro 570 sprinklers utilised in passive turf areas and gardens beds.

Detailed design of the site was completed by Emerge Associates and JDSI Consulting Engineers and the irrigation design was undertaken by Nutrien Water, in accordance with the City Standard Irrigation Specification. As a trial for the City of Wanneroo, the design incorporated a Signal SDS-50 two-wire control system. This ‘smart’ irrigation system was installed with a weather station and moisture sensors on each oval. This project serves as a key trial for improving the management of the other City’s parks and public open spaces, and will allow greater monitoring of turf conditions in real time. This initiative has a significant impact on the City’s ability to meet sustainability targets by minimising water use on non-active open space areas and maximising water use on active turf areas needed for sport and recreation.

The Overflow | Winter 2022

While the majority of the installation ran smoothly, during deep excavation for the installation of irrigation pipework, we were required to remove significant amounts of limestone. As modification to the design of the irrigation were not feasible, additional costs for the works and an extension to the timeframe were required. Following the system and turf installation on the southern oval, it was identified that alterations to the irrigation design were required, to match modifications that had been made to the civil design. Amendments were made to 2 irrigation stations around the baseball dugouts, so that irrigation would not throw into the dugouts and reduce the assets life of the internal structures.

Challenges

RJ Vincent installed new bore water wells and pumps to provide reticulation for the playing ovals and other areas of landscaping, prior to installing the turf in December 2020.

At this point, Western Power was unable to provide a permanent power supply for the reticulation on the site and RJ Vincent proposed a temporary generator to operate the new reticulation system during the subsequent 13-week turf consolidation period.

on the northern oval. Phase Three Landscape was required to undertake a 13-week maintenance phase once each oval was completed, and this maintenance period was extended on the southern oval to ensure the handover of all turf surfaces could occur at the same time.

While the City initially saw the generator as a short-term solution until the permanent power supply was connected, the generator remained in operation on site until there was permanent electrical supply in August 2021.

Although the southern oval was not available to the public for use until the completion of the northern oval, it was made available to the Department of Education for use by Alkimos College, under a shared use agreement. This agreement enabled the school to run physical education classes on the southern oval whilst they awaited the completion of the northern oval adjacent to the school.

Without the contractor’s foresight to provide a generator, watering of the new turf and landscaping beds with water trucks would likely not have been as effective and turf may have been damaged during summer. The jumbo roll kikuyu turf was laid on the southern oval once the irrigation system was completed, at which point the irrigation installation began

Upon completion of the sports pavilions and storerooms, the highly anticipated Halesworth Park will begin to host AFL, soccer, rugby, netball and athletics clubs throughout each year, with local residents and clubs keen to start using the facilities.

The Overflow | Winter 2022

New Waterwise garden offers in time for spring Last spring, more than 2000 Water Corporation customers took up a waterwise offer to either undergo a sprinkler service or install a weatherbased controller. Following the success of last years’ program, Water Corporation is launching and expanding three waterwise offers to customers in Perth and Peel for 2022. These programs are expected to generate more than 7000 hours of work for the garden irrigation industry. Each offer is aimed at empowering households to reduce their outdoor water use.

What’s on offer?

Spring Sprinkler Check – Customers will receive a free test of their irrigation system performed by a Waterwise Garden Irrigator. The irrigator will

The Overflow | Winter 2022

look for leaks, check controllers and optimise the water efficiency of the system. Weather-Based Irrigation Rebate – Customers can apply for a rebate of up to $300 for the purchase and installation of eligible weather-based irrigation controllers and products. The product must be installed by an endorsed Waterwise Garden Irrigator. Waterwise Garden Advice for Bore Owners – Customers will receive free advice from a Waterwise Landscaper or Garden Designer on their garden's design, plants and soil. The advice will provide customers with a guide to reduce water use and maintain a healthy garden, even through the summer months. Registration for irrigation-based offers opens on 1 August. Places are limited.

Early access for garden bore sprinkler owners

From 1 September 2022, Perth and Mandurah bore owners’ watering days will align to the scheme roster of two watering days per week. This is an initiative from Department of Water and Environmental Regulation in response to climate change and a need to rebalance groundwater use with reduced rainfall. Bore owners in the Perth and Peel regions will receive early access to offers and be eligible for the exclusive Waterwise Garden Advice offer to help prepare for the change. To learn more about these offers and how Water Corporation is helping customers reduce their water use, visit watercorporation.com.au/ waterwiseoffers

be part of the

Waterwise

industry initiatives exclusive to Waterwise members WEATHER BASED IRRIGATION REBATE

Perth and Peel residential customers of Water Corporation can apply for a rebate for the purchase and professional set-up of eligible weather smart irrigation products.

Bore Users: Commencing 1st August 2022

Scheme Users: Commencing 1st September 2022

Eligible Products HC, PRO-HC, HPC, HCC X2 with WAND WAND Solar Sync

B-Hyve B-Hyve Pro Smart Series

ESP-RZXe, Me3, TM2 with LNK/LNK2

Rebate

$300 P

Up to

Supply | Installation

er H

d l o ouseh

2,000 available rebates

LNK or LNK2

Learn More by visiting www.waterwiseprograms.com.au/western-australia/initiatives/

Aligning the domestic garden bore sprinkler roster with the scheme water roster

Minister for Water, the Hon. Dave Kelly MLA announced on Friday 3rd June 2022 the implementation of the proposed Gnangara groundwater allocation plan. This is intended to help to protect precious groundwater resources from climate change impacts, and minimise future impact on remaining wetlands, bushland and street trees.

The WA amenity horticulture peak industry bodies (PIBs) presented a submission recognising the need to manage groundwater across Perth and Peel responsibly in the face of climate change and a growing population. Reduced rainfall, rising temperatures, and competing demands makes this a priority.

As part of this plan:

The PIBs agreed that a review of the by-laws regulating the use and management of domestic bores is due, however there is concern that the proposal to reduce the sprinkler roster for garden bore users in Perth and Peel from three days to two days, effective

•

Water Corporation will reduce the draw under their licensed allocation by 27%

•

Reductions in groundwater allocations to licensed agricultural and horticultural users are limited to 10 per cent

•

Use of domestic garden bores in the Perth and Mandurah area will be restricted to two days per week, aligning with the sprinkler roster for scheme water users

The Overflow | Winter 2022

1 September 2022 will have negative consequences. These include a decline in garden health and property values, the likelihood of over irrigating on rostered watering days, increased localised urban heat, and significant financial impact on the amenity horticulture industry. It will also result in a rapid shift of properties using groundwater to scheme water for irrigation, placing strain on Perth’s Integrated Water Supply Scheme. In recognition of the need to better manage groundwater, the PIBs recommended the following approach to achieving water conservation outcomes, whilst sustaining the social,

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environmental and economic benefits that responsible garden bore usage provides: •

•

Continuation of the three-days-perweek irrigation roster for properties that voluntarily register a bore and undertake a garden and irrigation system assessment by a Waterwise Professional to ensure it is operating in line with best practice waterwise principles and industry standards. The default position for nonregistration would be a reduction to two watering days per week in line with the sprinkler roster for scheme users. Registered properties can be identified by a program symbol located on their letter box to promote program awareness, and to differentiate them from those that are unregistered and subject to infringements for non-compliance.

The Overflow | Winter 2022

•

Registered properties should be eligible for rebates to assist with the costs of waterwise improvements and to incentivise participation in the program.

•

Reasonable timeframes need to be established for the implementation of waterwise improvements commensurate with level of work required, the availability of rebates and trades, and cost of implementation. Timeframes should be established in consultation with industry to ensure they are realistic.

•

The rebates should be targeted to areas where groundwater is most stressed to allow for the prioritisation of resources and availability of trades.

•

New and retrofitted garden bores should be fitted with a water meter with pulse capability, allowing for

the monitoring of groundwater use as a management tool in the future. •

Greater emphasis should be placed on raising community awareness of the importance of managing groundwater sustainably. This can build on existing government campaigns, but with closer engagement with industry to align messaging, show support for the recommended initiatives, and utilise industry expertise and reach.

The PIBs are committed to a collaborative working relationship with the Minister for Water, the Hon. Dave Kelly MLA, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, and Water Corporation to continue the transition towards a more waterwise future. WA amenity peak industry bodies (PIBs) working group are: Irrigation Australia Ltd, Turf Growers Association WA , Nursery & Garden Industry WA, Landscape Industries Association of WA Inc, Sports Turf Association WA, WA Drilling Association, Greenspace Alliance and Josh Byrne & Associates

PHI1170 6/22

PHI0891 01/21

Peel Integrated Water Initiative Nambeelup Managed Aquifer Recharge The Peel Integrated Water Initiative (PIWI) is a program of Transform Peel - a McGowan Government $49.3 Million program of integrated, strategic projects to activate economic development and investment in the Peel Region. As featured in the Summer and Autumn 2022 editions of Overflow, the PIWI project team implemented an extensive technical program, which assessed the water opportunities and constraints related to the economic development objectives of the Transform Peel program. This included investigation into Managed Aquifer Recharge at the Peel Business Park. Analysis of historical climate and climate change scenarios was undertaken to inform the assessment of the potential impact of recent and future climate change on water resources within the PIWI investigation area. Climate variability (particularly of rainfall) from year to year and over a decade has a major effect on the quantity of surface water and groundwater resources in the assessment area (CSIRO 2019b). Climate change is impacting on the availability of water resources, both surface and groundwater.

The Overflow | Winter 2022

Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) offers the prospect for water to be stored in a suitable aquifer when surplus is available, and for it to be recovered from the same aquifer when it is needed. In the context of the Peel Integrated Water Initiative, MAR offers the potential capacity for storage of surface and subsurface drainage water, as well as treated wastewater as one potential source of climateindependent water supply to meet future growing demands. Several studies have been undertaken to support the assessment of the feasibility of establishing a MAR scheme within the framework in the Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling: Managing Health and Environmental Risk – Managed aquifer Recharge.

Desktop study (Stage 1)

In 2011, the then Department of Water conducted the Stage 1 desktop study, Feasibility of managed aquifer recharge using drainage water. The study investigated stormwater harvesting combined with managed aquifer recharge, so winter runoff could be stored to balance demand. The study created a platform that brought together much of the

information required for the successful implementation of managed aquifer recharge (MAR). It also identified the knowledge gaps that the department and proponents of MAR schemes need to address to ensure the full potential for stormwater harvesting. The study assessed the feasibility of MAR at the pre-planning stage of development and covered a large area for development (~84 km2). The study addressed: •

Stage 1 of the national MAR guidelines assessment process using existing data

•

availability of stormwater

•

the storage capacity of local aquifers (focusing on the confined aquifers)

•

the viability and degree of difficulty of a conceptual MAR scheme.

Based on this desktop assessment, stormwater collected through subsoil drainage systems offered potential for harvesting and MAR. Given the current groundwater uses from the Cattamarra Aquifer, as well as its hydrogeology, groundwater quality and environmental values, this aquifer is more suitable for MAR than others. Storage capacity

Figure – Illustration of proposed managed aquifer recharge process

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has been conservatively assessed, indicating there is between 4–20 GL of storage below the development areas, assuming a 10 m increase in potentiometric head, and between 20– 100 GL of confined storage available in the study area if the hydraulic heads were restored to the 1984 level.

Investigations and risk assessment (Stage 2)

On the strength of work undertaken in 2011, the Shire of Murray in partnership with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation secured funding under the Australian Government’s National

PIWI MAR Drilling

Water Infrastructure Development program, and the Peel Integrated Water Initiative for a feasibility study into a MAR scheme within the Peel Business Park. The Peel Business Park, also component of Transform Peel and located within the Peel Integrated Water Initiative area is located approximately 75 km south of Perth. The study sought to complete the necessary field investigations to complete the Stage 2 Risk Assessment, consistent with the MAR Guidelines (NHMMRC 2009).

The project included: •

Construction of one production and one monitoring bore to 246 m below ground level in the Cattamarra Coal Measures

•

collection of subsurface lithological samples for testing, including sieve analysis, mineralogy, palynology and Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) and downhole geophysics

•

analysis of aquifer discharge pumping tests

•

hydrogeochemical modelling

•

numerical groundwater modelling

•

water quality sampling and analysis of the source water to identify the level of treatment that would be required before injection

•

maximal risk assessment in accordance with Stage 2 Australian guidelines for water recycling: Managing health and environmental risks (Managed Aquifer Recharge).

Results from the mineralogical analysis collected during drilling indicate the samples are dominantly silica with trace amounts of other stable minerals that are unlikely to react with oxygenated surface water. Iron in the Cattamarra Aquifer is low; however, iron precipitation (based on the geochemical modelling) remains a risk primarily because of the elevated concentrations of iron in the source water from the superficial aquifer. The target interval in the Cattamarra Coal Measures is relatively clean and free of significant clays or silts representing a low risk of clay mobilisation or reaction when fresher water is introduced. Pump testing confirmed the aquifer is confined, with no obvious lateral hydraulic boundaries intersected by the pumping test drawdown cone over the period of the discharge test. The groundwater quality across the superficial aquifer was determined to be suitable for recharge. In general, the groundwater in the receiving aquifer is anoxic and the groundwater in the superficial aquifer is aerobic. The

The Overflow | Winter 2022

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introduction of the aerobic water into the anaerobic water of the confined aquifer has the potential to cause clogging because of iron precipitation. This will need to be managed through aeration and flocculation at the surface before recharge. Additional treatment may be required to manage Escherichiacoli (E. coli) caused by waterbirds, especially if the drainage water is to be ponded as part of the treatment system. The risk assessment identified that pathogens, inorganic chemicals, organic chemicals and turbidity and particulates represent the greatest risks to human health while inorganic chemicals, organic chemicals and turbidity and particulates present the greatest risk for the environment. These risks are considered manageable with the appropriate engineering solutions incorporated into the design coupled with appropriate operational practices. The key outcomes from this preliminary assessment are that a MAR system at

The Overflow | Winter 2022

the site targeting the deep Cattamarra Aquifer is technically feasible and no ‘fatal flaws’ have been identified to this point.

Injection and Recovery Trial

The Shire of Murray, Peel Development Commission, DevelopmentWA, Department of Water and Environmental Regulation and Water Corporation have partnered to engage Managed Recharge to undertake an injection and recovery trial, a key recommendation of the feasibility Study. The primary objectives of the trial are to confirm the injection capacity of the injection/production bore, determine the amount of water that can be recovered from the aquifer of suitable salinity for desired end-use (the recovery efficiency of the bore), and monitoring and assessing the aquifer response to injection. Secondary to this, monitoring breakthrough of

injected water at the observation bore, and measuring any changes to water quality resulting from the injection and recovery process. The information collected will inform a residual risk assessment consistent with the MAR Guidelines (NHMMRC 2009). The trial was conducted in June 2022 with interpretation of results and reporting pending. This is an important step towards innovative water security, of a climate independent water source in the Peel Business Park, and surrounds, with the potential for such a scheme to supply a food innovation and agri-business customer base, in an area with limited natural water resources available for non-potable supply. Peel Integrated Water Initiative, Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (dwer. wa.gov.au)

Design for the best Having irrigation design standards that are consistently high and based on best practice is an important element in ensuring the continuing confidence of clients, be they large or small, in the service provided by designers. The advantages of having a standard practice or design process that is based on best practice are many. It allows for consistency by providing a guide that people can follow when they are undertaking a particular task or set of tasks, something that is especially important if you employ a number of staff, and they allow you to show your clients that you are working to industry standards. When you are quoting on a job, designing an irrigation system or installing one, do you have a procedure backed by a standardised process that you and your staff follow? Rural Irrigation System Design Guidelines is a handy guide that will help you identify best practice for designing piped irrigation systems. While this publication has been written for rural systems, the principles apply equally to urban situations. It is divided into two sections – one detailing irrigation design parameters and the other, irrigation performance parameters. To give you an idea of the information included in Rural Irrigation System Design Guidelines, Table 1 shows the parameters that should be considered to complete an irrigation design. Each of these parameters are then described in detail.

The Overflow | Winter 2022

TABLE 1. IRRIGATION SYSTEM DESIGN PARAMETERS. Base design parameter Area considered for irrigation

Unit(s)

Associated information

Hectares (ha)

• • • • • •

Area layout - size and shape Greenhouse growing structures (Nurseries) Size and quantity of containers (Nurseries) Physical obstacles (fences, trees, buildings, etc.) Land restrictions (protected areas, etc.) Topography

L/s

• • • • •

Quantity/allocation Source (i.e. dam, bore, etc) Quality Re-use (Nurseries) Energy source for pump

• • • • •

Type/s Growth stages and timing Cultivation practices Root depth Crop coefficients

• • • • •

Soil or growing medium information Soil structure Field capacity and permanent wilt point Refill point Infiltration rate/s

Climate

• • • •

Evapotranspiration Rainfall Wind Managed (greenhouses)

Management requirements

• • • • • • •

System integration System type (sprinkler, drip, pivot, etc?) System compatibility Labour skill and availability Process control Risk appetite Price budget

Water supply

Crop/plant

Soil – Readily Available Water (RAW)

Irrigation system capacity – designed and managed

mm/m

mm/day

• Irrigated area • Peak crop water use • Gross application rate (depth of water applied in mm over time) • Application efficiency (%) • Operating hours: - Irrigation cycle (duration and frequency) - Pump utilisation ratio (PUR) • Flow rate of irrigation system

TABLE 2. IRRIGATION SYSTEM PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.

The same information is supplied for performance standards (Table 2).

Information

Interested in following up? Contact Irrigation Australia for a copy of Rural Irrigation System Design Guidelines, phone 1300 949 891or email: info@ irrigation.org.au.

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Indicator

Associated information

Standards

System capacity (based on 24- hour delivery)

• Flow rate of irrigation system (L/s) • Irrigated area • Actual hours of pumping per day

Meets the peak irrigation requirements of the crop

Ratio of system capacity to peak season crop irrigation demand

• Design system capacity • Managed system capacity

80–120%

System application depth

• Refill point • Gross depth of water applied (mm)

< 50% of RAW

Irrigation cycle

• Return interval able to be achieved with each system type

Meets the peak irrigation requirements of the crop

Application uniformity

• DU • CU

DU > 80%

Average application intensity

• Gross depth of water applied • Time (hours) taken to physically apply water

CU > 85%

Potential application efficiency

• Estimated from field distribution and depends on system type

< Infiltration rate of the soil

Water velocity

• To limit potential water hammer in irrigation system pipelines • Vary for flushing and filtration

75 – 95%

Hydraulic efficiency

• Pressure loss through fittings

Max = 1.5 m/s

Pump system efficiency

• Pump system efficiency % (pump/motor efficiency

> 90% i.e. losses through fittings not to exceed 10% of total losses. Best possible depending on duty and pump type

Pump operating cost

• Cost per volume of water pumped • KWh of energy used per volume of water pumped related to pressure

$/ML < 5.0 kWh/ML/m

Micro irrigation/point source

• Emission uniformity • Flow variation

EU > 90% FV < 20%

The Overflow | Winter 2022

Landscaping, Macaulay Park

City of Joondalup named Platinum Waterwise Council In May, the City of Joondalup was named WA's Platinum Waterwise Council of the Year – the highest accolade a WA Local Government can attain for water conservation.

demonstrated by the many effective programs and strategies we have implemented to improve how we sustainably manage this precious resource.”

The honour was announced by Water Minister Dave Kelly and recognised the City’s achievements over and above Gold Waterwise Council status requirements.

Water Saving Solution: Central Smart Control Groundwater Irrigation System

Joondalup is the largest local government (population) in WA to achieve this status. The City became a ‘10-year Waterwise Council’ in 2020/21 and has had continual endorsement as a Gold Waterwise Council since 2015/16. The City manages and cares for approximately 365 parks, natural areas and public open spaces, which all play an important role in the wellbeing of residents and the wider community. In 2020/21, the City successfully implemented a series of waterwise projects, including the adoption of Central Smart Control Groundwater Irrigation System technology.

The Overflow | Winter 2022

Joondalup Mayor Albert Jacob said the City had long recognised the importance of sustainable water management. “It has been, and always will be, a priority for our City, and this award also comes on the back of Joondalup winning the Water Sensitive Cities Award from the Cooperative Research Centre for Water Sensitive Cities for our water sensitive practices,” Mayor Jacob said. “These accolades give us the confidence to know we are striking the right balance between the provision of water services for the community with the protection of water resources in the context of a drying climate. “At the City of Joondalup, our commitment to water conservation and water quality is strong and

The City continually seeks to undertake innovative initiatives to save water and build waterwise communities. This includes using best-practice irrigation technology to ensure sustainable and efficient use of groundwater to irrigate and manage the City’s parks and open spaces. In 2020/21 - 2021/22, the City upgraded and installed more than 200 irrigation controllers in its parks and public open spaces, each linking to a web-based central smart control irrigation system. The entire irrigation network is now being managed through a central smart control irrigation system, allowing the City’s Irrigation Officers to monitor, adjust and maintain irrigation operations (i.e. settings, programs and schedules) in real-time.

This all happens from a smartphone, tablet, laptop, computer or any other web-enabled device and allows for a more adaptive irrigation management approach. The key to its success is the userfriendly nature of the platform.

For example, the system has a virtual keypad that replicates the keypad on the in-field irrigation controller, which allows the City to remotely monitor or adjust the irrigation operation, programming and/or scheduling for a specific site.

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Any changes made on the virtual keypad happen on-site. The ability to remotely monitor, adjust and maintain the City’s irrigation operations settings in real-time gives the irrigation team additional time to focus on other sustainable water use initiatives. This is possible with a reduced need to

physically travel to parks/reserves to make changes to the irrigation control settings, programs, and schedules, or even to just turn off irrigation controllers during winter. This can all be done remotely through the City’s web-based central smart control irrigation system. The systems site list and Google Maps integration allows the City to view its irrigation controller and weather station locations in both tabular and spatial format. The Google Maps integration and ability to view the locations of the City’s irrigation controller network, across the various public open spaces and parks, spanning 22 suburbs, is another useful feature. The system allows for strategic oversight of the entire irrigation network across the City, as well as individual control and management of specific irrigation controllers. Customised irrigation programs can be scheduled based on a site’s environmental characteristics. The system’s data capture and analytics functionality helps the City monitor and report on groundwater consumption. All irrigation control actions made by the City are captured automatically with a correlating timestamp. This allows for the easy review of management actions and provides opportunities to learn and improve the City’s irrigation management approach. The system also allows the City to view local weather forecasts, integrate the City’s three weather stations’ data and connect to the irrigation controller at each park/reserve instantly. The weather stations collect data on air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, wind direction, atmospheric pressure, yearly rainfall, solar radiation and evapotranspiration. This data can be programmed to adjust irrigation programs, allowing for more responsive and adaptive irrigation practices.

Weather Station, Percy Doyle Reserve.

The Overflow | Winter 2022

Key objectives and benefits of adopting the central smart control irrigation system include:

•

Efficient use of water resulting in a reduction in groundwater consumption.

•

Improved irrigation and management of public open spaces.

•

Implementation of sustainable and affordable software solutions to improve water efficiency.

•

Ability to utilise resources more efficiently to manage the City’s irrigation infrastructure.

•

Water saving measures through simple seasonal adjustments to the City’s irrigation system.

•

Automated data tracking of groundwater consumption and improved data transparency.

•

Improved scheduling, replacement and maintenance of irrigation infrastructure.

Virtual keypad on mobile devise and irrigation controller keypad.

•

Smart energy operations with the installation of solar panels.

•

Timely responses to environmental conditions and community feedback.

The City recognises the importance of sustainable water management, which is further reflected in the City Water Plan and Waterwise Council Action Plan.

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Applications

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• For measuring of high flow rates • For horizontal or vertical installation • For cold water up to 50° C • For applications where NMI-M10 Pattern Approved water meters are required Available Sizes • 50mm - 300mm (2” - 12”) • Table E flanged inlet/outlet

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Staff can monitor the pump remotely and respond if there is an alarm or warning.

Big savings from pump upgrade and remote monitoring The investment of a global company in its vineyards, wineries and production facilities in Australia and New Zealand included a vineyard in the South Australian wine region of Langhorne Creek. Here, the vineyard was using an old fixed-speed pumping system to supply water from a lake, to a holding dam for irrigation of vines over its 65 ha. The system was difficult to access, close to the lake’s edge, and required a 40-minute drive by staff to reach it. Given that staff were regularly having to drive to the system to start and stop the pump, the resource and fuel costs were becoming an issue. It was also very inefficient when it came to energy use, resulting in high running costs. Another serious failing of the system, brought about by its remoteness, was that when a power failure or fault caused the system to stop running, staff would sometimes remain unaware

The Overflow | Winter 2022

for several days, by which time water in the holding dam could be critically low.

Solution incorporate remote management

The vineyard consulted Brendan O’Neil at Daish Irrigation in Strathalbyn. The brief was to install an energy efficient solution with remote monitoring abilities to help save valuable time and avoid critical incidents. The team at Daish Irrigation came up with a solution based on a pump upgrade and the capacity for remote management. To ensure reliable and cost-efficient water supply, the existing installation was upgraded to a Grundfos NBG single-stage end-suction pump with CUE external frequency drive and CU352 MPC Control Panel. This was partnered with a Grundfos Remote Management (GRM) unit, for complete control of the pumping system.

The external frequency drive on the NBG pump means that the pump can ramp up or down according to the system demands, making for a much more efficient system than a fixedspeed system. With the GRM unit, the pump, sensors, meter and controllers are connected to a datalogger, which provides real-time data via the internet. When sensor thresholds are crossed, or a pump or controller reports an alarm, an SMS notification is sent immediately to the responsible person.

Efficiency improves

The new system represents a significant improvement in efficiency and has been a time saver for staff. They can now monitor and manage the pump remotely, reducing the need for onsite inspections and enabling them to act quickly in the event of an alarm or warning.

According to Brendan, the remote management system almost paid for itself in the first three months, simply by removing the lost time staff were spending driving to the pump day and night to stop or start it. In addition, the technology has enabled the vineyard to accurately monitor pump performance and efficiencies, helping staff to provide more accurate reporting, and added flexibility for scheduling and redundancy. The new system is also providing the vineyard with improved flow and efficiency gains with the ability to reduce the speed of the pump to fill the dam. The pump has two duties, supplying water to a dam for the vineyard, and to recharge a bore. Originally, the fixed-speed pump would dam fill at 61 L/sec at 4.5 bar using 67 amps, but after installing the new pump and VFD it achieved 81 L/sec at 3 bar using 48 amps.

“Basically, we are filling the dam far quicker and using less energy. The original pump would regularly overload and trip out above 67 amps, but the new four-pole motor controlled with the variable speed drive is running cooler and not overloading,” said Brendan.

“The new system can be adjusted via the remote management, and we are only using 45 amps, with a flow of 33 litres per second. The system is now reliable, more efficient and easier to use.” When it comes to bore recharge, the system can now run at a lower pressure and flow to keep pace with the bore capability.

“In the old system the fixed-speed pump was using full load amps during this period, with a valve to restrict flow. The new system can be adjusted via the remote management, and we are only using 45 amps, with a flow of 33 litres per second. The system is now reliable, more efficient and easier to use,” said Brendan.

The bottom line

The bottom line as a result of the upgrade has greatly improved. Overall, in its first few months of operation the vineyard experienced an average 24 per cent increase in efficiency (29 per cent better efficiency from the pump). Acknowledgment. Thanks to Grundfos for permission to publish this article, which is an edited version of a case study from the Grundfos website, https://www.grundfos.com/au/about-us/ cases/Efficient-and-time-saving-pumpsolution-for-one-of-the-worlds-largestwine-companies

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State Groundwater Investigation Program

Cultural engagement, collaboration and innovative technology are key elements highlighted in two research areas as part of an important ongoing groundwater investigation program. The State Groundwater Investigation Program (SGIP) is focused on collecting new information that helps develop the best water management strategies for regions across Western Australia. The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) investigates, assesses, and monitors groundwater to help meet the water needs of the community, ecosystems and economic development. The McGowan Government currently funds 18 projects through the SGIP. With pressure on existing groundwater resources expected to grow, Western Australia needs to find new groundwater resources and use existing ones more sustainably.

The Overflow | Winter 2022

Cultural understanding and collaboration feature strongly in the recent landmark agreement signed between the Yawuru (Native Title) Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC) in Broome and the WA Government, which is centred on SGIP groundwater research on Yawuru country.

The project aims to determine the relationship between groundwater in the Broome and Wallal aquifers and dependent ecosystems between Broome and 80 Mile Beach, in the La Grange groundwater sub-areas, to suitably manage groundwater abstraction and impacts.

Yawuru traditional owners will work with DWER staff on the La Grange Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems project, where it falls within Yawuru country.

The agreement recognises and supports Yawuru people’s connection to culture, country and heritage. Water Minister Dave Kelly said “The twoway capacity development built into this agreement will help meet both DWER’s responsibilities, as well as support Yawuru people to fulfil their cultural responsibilities to look after country including culturally significant groundwater and ecosystems.”

Yawuru people are the traditional owners of the lands and waters in and around Rubibi (the town of Broome) and covering Roebuck Plains and Thangoo pastoral leases, in the Kimberley region of northern Western Australia. Yawuru PBC director Dean Mathews said “The project will support Yawuru Traditional Owners in building their skills in collecting, analysing and understanding data to help better manage water systems on their Country.”

Innovative portable technology, designed and manufactured in Perth, was recently trialled by DWER and Australia’s national science agency CSIRO, during the Swan Valley North-East Corridor groundwater

investigation project, which is part of the SGIP. The Loupe is an electromagnetic survey device carried in a backpack designed for rapid data collection and mapping electrical conductivity near the ground surface. The receiver and transmitter are carried by one person each within a backpack. Electromagnetic surveys of the ground surface determine the electrical properties of rocks, soil and water, to help map underground features such as aquifer boundaries, barriers to groundwater flow and salinity. Data collected by the Loupe will provide important information on groundwater quality close to the Swan River and will assist sustainable management of our water resources in the Swan Valley area. This follows an airborne electromagnetic survey of the Swan Valley project area and its groundwater flows in 2020.

Hon Dave Kelly BA MLA, Minster for Water with Traditional Owners launching the Yawuru project

Project:

Spalding Park Golf Club upgrade 2021 Article by Stacey Oakley, Great Northern Rural

Recently Great Northern Rural Services completed an upgrade project with Spalding Park Golf Club to revamp the clubs ageing irrigation system. Last upgraded in 1996 the club installed a brand-new irrigation control system, pumps and filtration that was nothing like they had seen previously. Fast forward to 2022 and Chris Clarkson, the now veteran of over 50 years including 25+ years as full-time volunteer head greenskeeper is again pushing his club into modern day technology. Chris leads a team of 3 permanent staff & 3 volunteers that maintains the 18 holes course on the banks of the Chapman River. Regularly noted as one of WA’s best country courses it is simply stunning.

The Overflow | Winter 2022

S U P E R I O R A P P L I C AT I O N F LO W GAS

GENERAL PURPOSE

DZR

The course is made up of Hunter Valve in head around each green, and Hunter I25 block stations on the fairways. The existing Rainbird Master 3 was 26 years old and in desperate need of upgrading. The handheld remote had stopped long ago and was no longer in production, forcing Chris to race back to the pump shed to switch the valve required on, or making it a 2-man operation. Replaced by a Stratus II system with new computer and multiscreen, Chris finds its operation and ease of control a huge plus for someone that calls himself “tech illiterate”. Chris now has access to reports and alarms that advise of daily current readings and assists in any tracing of faults he needs to find. Watering data and complete history is now all at his fingertips. A complete upgrade of the Lightning protection at the main shed & in field

The Overflow | Winter 2022

will provide the necessary protection going forward.

greened up with that little bit extra water and pressure”

The irrigation programming and water budget tools have been easy to learn, and the iPad remote access app has changed how Chris operates. The previous system had 6 handheld access points dotted around the course which made it clunky and not user friendly.

As you can see Chris has been happy to replace like for like and this is no different when it comes to filtration.

Tyson Riley from Living Turf has been there from the start of the project and continues to maintain a great working relationship with the SPGC team providing valuable tech support when anything new popped up. A series of new Southern Cross 80x50200 slotted straight into place of the older units. Previously these pumps only ever required a single impeller to be replaced. Chris mentions “We’re noticing an improvement in head pressure and overall system performance. Spots that were struggling for years suddenly

The Amiad 6” 130micron were swapped out for new and despite some design changes over the years like size, configuration now controlled by app, the improved performance has again been contributed to an overall water saving and visually enhanced across the course. The Spalding Park Golf Club has been very happy with the value for money upgrades and can see significant results across the course. When asked what he thinks about his new upgrade Chris smiles and calmy states” it’s a good system, very good. This system will see me out”. The proof is in the continuously improving look of the course.

Rainfall and Streamflow Update – July 2022 While Winter 2021 in the south-west of Western Australia will be remembered as one of the wettest winters of the last 40 years, 2022 is tracking in line with the long term drying trend as a result of climate change. So far, 2022 has seen below average rainfall. Since April unseasonal wet conditions in the Pilbara region have been offset by below average rainfall across the south-west corner of the State with most sites along the west coast between Jurien Bay and Margaret River receiving below average rainfall so far in 2022. Sites in the eastern grain belt and coastal areas, east of Albany, have received average, or above average, rainfall in June and for the year to date. The Bureau of

Meteorology (BoM) reported that rainfall during the first month of winter, June, was 23 per cent below average in Western Australia as a whole. Streamflow volumes to the end of June are typically low across the entire South West Land Division. The total streamflow at most of the representative sites was below average during June, although the streamflow at sites east of Albany has been above average. It is still early in the season to report on streamflow, and conditions will become clearer as the year progresses; however, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation will continue to track these sites throughout winter.

Seasonal streamflow forecasts by BoM suggest average, or above, winter streamflow for sites located east of Albany and below average flow conditions across the remainder of the south-west. The forecast skill for the streamflow during this period are moderate to high. The BoM and DPIRD climate outlooks for the July to September period indicate a higher chance of below average rainfall in Perth and northern and eastern parts of the south-west land division. Both forecasts indicate a slightly higher chance of exceeding average rainfall in coastal areas between Busselton and Esperance over the next three months.

The Overflow | Winter 2022

Ferti-Ject’s Injection System helps to keep your turf in good shape! Soil Wetter's are an effective solution to combat water repellence in dry soils, making them easier to re-wet and increasing water-use efficiency. Key benefits of our advanced Ferti-Ject high pressure delivery systems include,  Precision delivery method.  Faster uptake by the plant.  Reduces turf compaction.  Reduces environmental impact.  Reduces labour inputs. Go to www.ferti-ject.com for more information. “A built for purpose injection system is simply one of the wisest investments in modern turf management”.

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The Overflow | Winter 2022

World class irrigation control is now at your fingertips!

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The Overflow | Winter 2022

Water Update Water Usage Metro Region https://www.watercorporation.com.au/Our-water/Rainfalland-dams/Water-use

Yearly Streamflow https://www.watercorporation.com.au/Our-water/Rainfalland-dams/Streamflow

Perth Rainfall Comparison https://www.watercorporation.com.au/Our-water/Rainfalland-dams/Rainfall

Supplied by the Water Corporation Current graphs can be found at www.watercorporation.com.au

HAVE YOU VISITED THE WA WATERWISE PROGRAMS WEBSITE? www.waterwiseprograms.com.au The Waterwise Garden Irrigator Program is a joint initiative of the WA Region of Irrigation Australia and Water Corporation, with a goal of optimising water-use efficiency of domestic irrigation systems in Western Australia. Endorsed Waterwise Garden Irrigators are fully trained in water efficient practices and can design, install, repair and maintain home garden irrigation systems.

WATERWISE GARDEN IRRIGATORS AAA Irrigation

Instant Gardens

Rain Maker Irrigation Services

Adonis Gardening & Irrigation

Irriscape Reticulation & Landscaping

Rapid Reticulation Remedies

Advantage Bores & Reticulation Services

Jim's Mowing Wilson North

Repair Your Retic

Alessio’s Gardens

Joel Irrigation & Landscaping

Retic Doctor

Allwest Bores & Reticulation

Josh's Lawn & Garden Service

Aqueduct Irrigation Services

Landscape Australia Construction

Retic Mate

AR Landscapes

Kinetic Landscaping

Reticulation Pro

Ben’s Garden Maintenance & Landscaping

KRH Irrigation

Rob’s Retic and Lawn

Landscape Elements Pty Ltd

Ryan Daly

LD TOTAL

Softscapes & Reticulation Pty Ltd

Lime Gardens

Sprinkler Fixers

Living Eden Property Maintenance

Superior Landscaping & Reticulation

Luke's Landscaping Co

The Garden Fixer

Midwest Turf Supplies

The Greenscape Collective

Mr Retic

The Retic Company

Newground Water Services

The Retic Guy

Northend Reticulation & Turf

The Retic & Landscape Shop

Nutrien Water – Head Office

The Watershed Water Systems Midland

Oasis Reticulation

Think Water Dunsborough

Olive Branch Landscapes

Think Water Geraldton

One Two Tree Irrigation & Landscaping

Think Water Perth

Outdoor Garden Services

Tidy Gardens Australia

OZ Commercial Maintenance Services

TLC Services Perth

Donewell Contracting Dynamic Property Solutions

PC Landscaping

Turfed Out

Earlybird Landscaping

Peel Scape Solutions

Ultimate Blue Pty Ltd

Earth & Water Pty Ltd

Perdita Reticulation & Garden Solutions

Urban Reticulation

Ecoedge Retic Supplies

Perfect Home Solutions

VIP Home Services

Evergrow Gardenscapes

Perth Irrigators

Wanda’s Gardening & Landscaping

Fastlane Maintenance

Perth Lawns and Retic

WaterLink

Perth Retic Repair

Water Smart Services Pty Ltd

Beyond Reticulation BHG Garden Service

2020/2 1

Bolesta's Backyard Creations Bowie Irrigation Bradkaz Irrigation Brighton Reticulation Brookwell Irrigation Candid Reticulation Services CHATT Services Chuckacan Civic Reticulation Coast to Coast Irrigation

2020/2 1

Country Landscaping & Irrigation CS Reticulation

First Element Irrigation Fluid Irrigation FPM Landscapes Pty Ltd Garden Solutions Greenworx Groundskeeper Garden Services Growing Assets HomeCare Reticulation Horizon West Landscape & Irrigation

NEW

Retic Express

Top Dog Landscaping and Reticulation

Pimp My Yard

Water Well Reticulation

Plantech Grounds Maintenance

Waterwise Landscaping

Portworks

Westcoast Reticulation Services

Pretty Blooming Good

Western Irrigation

PTC Irrigation

Wet Frog Retic

Pumps N Pipes Supplies Purely Irrigation

2020/2 1

WF Landscape Industries Pty Ltd Yurra Pty Ltd

The website features an extensive and up-todate business directory where the community can search for their local Waterwise members, based on their location. Head to the search directory at www.waterwiseprograms.com.au for members’ contact details, or if you’d like information on how to become an endorsed Waterwise business. With an increasing number of DIY enthusiasts installing and maintaining their own irrigation systems, the Waterwise Irrigation Design Shop Program was developed to raise the standard of irrigation advice and design services offered by staff at counter level of specialist irrigation retailers. Endorsed staff have the knowledge and skills to provide their customers with waterwise advice, products and services.

2020/2 1 Several Waterwise Garden Irrigators and Design Shops were randomly selected for audit in the 2020/21 period. Successfully audited businesses are acknowledged with this customised logo.

WATERWISE IRRIGATION DESIGN SHOPS Controlled Irrigation Supplies - Joondalup

Nutrien Water - Neerabup

Joel Irrigation & LHP Landscaping

Nutrien Water - Osborne Park

Nutrien Water - Balcatta

Nutrien Water - Rockingham

Nutrien Water - Bibra Lake

The Watershed Water Systems Cockburn The Watershed Water Systems - Midland The Watershed Water Systems - Morley

2020/2 1

Peel H20 Solutions - Mandurah

Nutrien Water - Byford

Pumps ‘n Pipes - Mandurah

Nutrien Water - Canning Vale

Rainscape Waterwise Solutions - Bibra Lake

Nutrien Water - Greenwood Nutrien Water - Joondalup Nutrien Water - Malaga Nutrien Water - Mandurah Nutrien Water - Midvale Nutrien Water - Myaree

The Watershed Water Systems - Subiaco 2020/2 1

Think Water Broome Think Water Dunsborough

Reece Irrigation & Pools - Belmont

Think Water Geraldton

Reece Irrigation - Canning Vale

Think Water Perth

2020/2 1

Reece Irrigation - Malaga

WA Reticulation Supplies - Armadale

Reece Irrigation - Osborne Park

WA Reticulation Supplies - Midland

Reece Irrigation - Rockingham

Western Irrigation - Greenwood

The Retic & Landscape Shop - Southern River

2020/2 1

SOUTH WEST WATERWISE PROGRAMS Irrigation Australia has recently launched the Waterwise Irrigation Programs in the South West region of WA, with the support of local water utilities; Busselton Water and Aqwest.

WATERWISE IRRIGATION DESIGN SHOPS

WATERWISE GARDEN IRRIGATORS ARB Landscaping & Fencing

Nutrien Water - Busselton

Country Water Solutions – Bunbury

Country Landscaping & Irrigation

PC Landscaping

Nutrien Water – Bunbury

Fastlane Maintenance

Russell’s Retic

Nutrien Water – Busselton

Fergies Total Lawn Care

Verve Landscapes

LD TOTAL

Zimban Reticulation

The Overflow | Winter 2022