The Overflow | Spring 2022

Quarterly Publication of Irrigation Australia (WA Region)

NO. 70 SPRING 2022

IN THIS ISSUE Crown Perth - Commercial Waterwise Business

Irrigation of crops with marginally saline water

of the Year Award

Designing a central smart control irrigation system

Two-day rostered watering

Perth’s rainfall-independent water source doubled to

Soil moisture monitoring for horticultural properties

help replenish groundwater supplies

Halls Head solar recycled water scheme

Contents

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

Crown Perth - Commercial Waterwise Business of the Year Award

8

Two-day rostered watering

14

Soil moisture monitoring for horticultural properties

16

Halls Head solar recycled water scheme

18

Irrigation of crops with marginally saline water

24

Designing a central smart control irrigation system

26

Perth’s rainfall-independent water source doubled to help replenish groundwater supplies

32

Cover: Sprinklers watering the great lawn and gardens at Crown Perth

Mark Your Diary October 2022 28 - 30

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

November 2022 1

Basics in Drip Irrigation

2-3

Basics in Wiring and Electrical Troubleshooting

15 - 16

AHC32419 Certificate III in Irrigation Technology - Bibra Lake, WA

22 - 25

Commercial Irrigation Design (Virtual)

30 - 2 Dec Irrigtaion Pumps & Systems (Virtual) December 2022

National Office Staff Dave Cameron - Chief Executive Officer

dave.cameron@irrigation.org.au

Geoff Harvey - Training, Certification and Marketing Manager

geoff.harvey@irrigation.org.au

Marike Froneman - Accountant (part time)

marike.froneman@irrigation.org.au

Chris Delphin - Company Secretary/ 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

13 - 16

Meter Installation & Validation (Virtual)

TBC

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 Dave Cameron

Darryl Wylie

Welcome to the Spring Edition of The Overflow.

Every year presents us with new challenges and along with these come opportunities to learn. Learning new skills enables us to adapt and approach things differently.

Although Irrigation Australia can’t help you tackle all these challenges, we can help you learn new Irrigation skills that will enable you to develop and improve as an Irrigation professional.

We offer courses that cater to all sectors of the Irrigation industry. For more information, visit: https://www.irrigationaustralia. com.au/COIE/COIE/Event_Listing_Training.aspx?hkey=d998b540522a-47eb-a08f-187a09f184db At the time of writing this report, preparation for our IALWA 2022 Annual Regional Meeting is underway and will be held at the South Perth Bowling Club on the 27th of September. At this year’s ARM, we ask members to put forward their nominations for positions on the regional committee. Last year we had a large number of people nominate and this year we hope to see your name there.

The regional executive committee meets once a month, with numerous sub-committees reporting on their activities as part of the management of IALWA. These people are volunteers that give their time to help run your association. IALWA would like to thank these members for their valuable contribution to our Association.

The Regional Committee of IALWA needs your feedback so our Association can grow and cater to our member’s needs.

Your constructive feedback will help us steer the Association in the direction that enables it to continue to thrive and serve its members.

I'd like to start by acknowledging Bryan Ward’s significant legacy for Irrigation Australia and the enormous amount of effort he’s put into steering the business through some particularly challenging times. Bryan’s industry experience will be particularly missed but the delivery of the major event at the Irrigation Australia Conference and Exhibition in Adelaide has been a huge undertaking and will hopefully provide a suitable send-off and recognition.

I’ll also acknowledge early the significant effort of our Company Secretary/ Business Administration Manager Chris Delphin who will be leaving us at the end of November.

I suspect the amount Chris contributes largely goes unrecognised, but she is a big part of the organisation – massive shoes to fill at a challenging time for recruitment but we’ll start in earnest directly after the conference.

I write this piece a little over a week into the job and while everyone else is furiously focussing on delivering training programs, and particularly preparing for the Conference and Exhibition in Adelaide, Irrigation Australia’s Board has taken advantage of Bryan’s early notification of his retirement to bring me on for a handover period. I have had some time with Bryan and Chris to build an understanding of the business (which is firmly in my comfort zone) as well as be there for the big show for 10 days to meet with and listen to as many members and industry supporters as I can. I am booked in a number of trips between now and Christmas (including WA in late September) for various member events and industry meetings. All the Irrigation Australia staff, and board representatives have been especially welcoming and I’m genuinely excited about the potential for my future role, and Irrigation Australia’s broader future.

Our new CEO David Cameron will present at this years ARM, along with our retiring CEO Bryan Ward. On behalf of IALWA, I would like to offer our sincere gratitude to Bryan for his many years of service and his achievement on so much for the Association during his tenure and for this we are extremely grateful. Bryan, you leave behind a great legacy and something you should be enormously proud of, and we thank you! We wish you all the best in your retirement to Penguin and the start of a new chapter in your life.

So for this first contribution, I’ll keep it short and sweet. It may seem like a platitude, but I am genuinely keen to hear from members and stakeholders about the services we’ve been offering and where we should be heading to improve members’ return on investment as well as build the membership base. I’m very proud of what we were able to achieve to build an outstanding reputation with members in my last 14-year gig with the Queensland Water Directorate, and I hope to contribute a few new ideas to keep it all fun and interesting while progressing our important strategic agenda for the sector.

Thank you and I hope you enjoy reading The Overflow Spring Edition.

Please bail me up as I’m out and about over the next couple of months – I’m the big bloke with the thick hide.

Darryl Wylie IAL (WA) Industry Chairman

Dave Cameron IAL Chief Executive Officer

The Overflow | Spring 2022

3

Regional Update

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

Welcome to the Spring edition of The Overflow magazine.

IALWA has been working hard to deliver a series of Waterwise Garden Workshops focused at the home gardener which are to be delivered within the 2022 Perth Garden & Outdoor Living Festival on Friday 28th , Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th October 2022 after being deferred due to COVID-19 back in May 2022. These workshops will cover topics such as: Perth’s water story, how to evaluate your irrigation system, irrigation design

considerations, soil water relationships; smart irrigation controllers and waterwise irrigation practices. These workshops are FREE to attend but registration is essential, and only available to patrons who purchase entry tickets to the Perth Garden & Outdoor Living Festival.

The Waterwise Programs Facebook page continues to promote these workshops out to the community, so please visit and share the various posts.

The Annual Regional meeting for the WA Region was held on 27th September 2022 at the South Perth Bowling Club. Nominations have been called for the 2022/23 year and 14 nominations have been received. All nominees have been accepted and will met in November to determine their voluntary position on a respective committee.

The Regional Committee meets on the 4th Tuesday of every month and incorporated the Core Executive, along with the Chairs of the respective sub committees. This provides an opportunity for all works that have been carried out to be reported on, actions to be identified and forthcoming decisions to be discussed and determined.

The Committees are: •

Core Executive

•

Members Interests/ Technical Sub Committee

•

Waterwise Sub Committee

•

Overflow Sub Committee

•

Training Sub Committee

•

Rural Sub Committee

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the many volunteers who participate in these various sub committees – these volunteers provide guidance on regional activities that not only align with stakeholder provision for services agreements, but also the WA Strategic Plan. Without their support, the regional would not achieve the KPI’s that it does.

4

The Overflow | Spring 2022

28th - 29th - 30th

WATERWISE GARDEN WORKSHOPS

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

WATERWISE – SPRING 2022

With Spring well underway, the Waterwise members are starting to get busy in the peak irrigation season.

As reported in the last issue of The Overflow, Water Corporation recently launched two initiatives, The Spring Sprinkler Check Up Program and The Weather Based Irrigation Rebate, exclusively available in the Perth and Peel regions to assist in maintaining households with their lawns and

6

The Overflow | Spring 2022

gardens while minimising water use.

Both initiatives have already had a great uptake, even with the recent stormy weather in Western Australia and the 2,000 allocations wont last long!

from being a Waterwise professional, please visit: www.waterwiseprograms. com.au select your location and click on “Become Waterwise” or contact the WA office on 08 6263 7774.

Interest in the Waterwise Programs continues to grow, with new applications for both programs in the Perth/Peel and South-West regions recently received. If you are interested to know how your business can benefit

The Waterwise Programs Facebook page continues to grow with more followers daily, who like and share our member spotlight or educational posts.

We invite you to please like and share our posts within your network.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS 5. Conference & Tradeshow Discounts Member discounts on attending and exhibiting at the Irrigation Australia Biennial International Conference & Exhibition.

1.

Irrigation Journal Copies Distributed quarterly in digital format, Irrigation Australia’s signature publication, the Journal, contains valuable industry information about new projects, technologies and techniques for Agriculture, Landscape & Domestic Irrigation.

6. Members Only Portal Gain access to the members only portal on the Irrigation Australia website. Through the portal you can manage your Irrigation Australia membership, register your staff/employees for training, access members only documents, presentation and other materials.

7.

2. Access to the National Irrigation Directory The only national and comprehensive digital directory where you can find details about irrigation retail businesses, manufacturers, installers, contractors, certified professionals.

3. Training Discounts Receive significant member discounts on nationally accredited irrigation training and qualifications delivered by Irrigation Australia in city and regional areas and on line virtually.

4. Certification Discounts Receive significant member discounts on the joining fee and renewal fee to the Certification Program administered by Irrigation Australia.

Certification is a national program of industry recognition. Certification adds instant credibility with customers, increases job opportunities and demonstrates your commitment to efficient water management. Visit our website to learn more www.irrigationaustralia.com.au

To Become a Member of Irrigation Australia

11. International Representation Be part of the global irrigation community and gain access to international contacts via the Irrigation membership of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID).

12. Discounts on Waterwise endorsement Receive significant member discounts on the Waterwise endorsement programs, relevant for domestic irrigation contractors, installers, landscapers and retailers.

Benefit from Waterwise marketing and merchandise to promote yourself as a Waterwise irrigation professional to the community.

See www.waterwiseprograms.com.au for more information.

Access to eKnowledge Irrigation Australia eKnowledge repository has significant resources of technical papers, conference papers, Irrigation Journals and FAQ’s available only for Members.

8. Discounts on Publications and Merchandise Irrigation Australia offers a wide range of books, eBooks and other merchandise through its online store. Members receive significant discounts on materials.

9. Invitations to Regional Meetings & Events Irrigation Australia hosts a number of regional meetings, events and site visits across Australia. This is a great opportunity for members and industry colleagues to come together to discuss new challenges, technologies and network.

Additional Membership Benefits (EXCLUDES PRIMARY PRODUCERS, INDIVIDUALS & RETIRED MEMBERSHIP CATEGORY) 13. Free Listing in the online National Irrigation Directory List your business for free with digital copies reaching the wider irrigation industry which attracts significant page views every month 14. Free Online Job Listing List your upcoming job vacancies on Irrigation Australia’s online job board which attracts significant targeted views every month.

15. Free Listing on Irrigation Australia’s Website List your business on Irrigation Australia’s Website Directory “Find an Irrigation Specialist” on the front page of our website www.irrigationaustralia.com.au

10. Monthly Electronic IrriNews Newsletter Receive our monthly Irrigation Newsletter with the latest information on upcoming training, events as well as new products, information and industry news.

16. Advertisement Discounts on Irrigation Australia Publications Receive significant discounts on advertising in the Irrigation Journal. The Irrigation Journal is distributed each quarter to all members and industry contacts

Join online by visiting www.irrigationaustralia.com.au or contact us at 1300 949 891 or email membership@irrigation.org.au

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT IRRIGATION AUSTRALIA ON:

T 1300 949 891 | E info@irrigation.org.au | W www.irrigationaustralia.com.au | QLD: Unit 11/58 Metroplex Avenue, Murarrie, QLD 4172 | PO Box 13, Cannon Hill QLD 4170 WA: First Floor, Unit 2, 26 Hammond Road, Cockburn Central WA 6164 | PO Box 3401, Success WA 6964

Crown Perth -

Commercial Waterwise Business of the Year Award Located on the banks of the worldfamous Swan River, Crown Perth boasts an impressive property featuring, three luxury hotels, with a combined 1188 hotel-room capacity including resort style pools and a variety of bars and restaurants.

Crown Perth welcomes more than 10 million visits each year and is WA’s largest single-site private employer with a workforce currently over 5,000 employees.

On Wednesday 4 May 2022, Crown Perth was recognised as a Platinum Waterwise Business, having earnt the 2022 Commercial Waterwise Business of the Year Award for both Crown Towers and Crown Metropol Perth at a special ceremony hosted by the Water Corporation.

8

The Overflow | Spring 2022

“Crown has been involved in water saving initiatives since 2008 when we embarked on the one to five program with the Water Corporation implementing a Water Efficiency Management Plan. Since 2009 Crown has saved in excess of 1 million kiloliters of water” – Tony Fioraso, Crown Perth General Manager of Property Services.

The Commercial Waterwise Business of the Year Award recognises Crown’s long-term commitment to efficient water management including the implementation of extensive water saving techniques to further reduce water including; •

A network of 130 submeters installed across all operational areas across the complex.

•

Swimming pool and cooling tower water is monitored weekly, with emails sent to maintenance contractors to explain any abnormal consumption allowing it to be rectified promptly.

•

The use of bore water to water gardens, reducing scheme water by 51,000 kiloliters per annum.

As the Crown Perth complex expanded in 2016 with the opening of Crown Towers, so did the demand and requirement for an upgrade to water saving schemes. There were many concepts considered with the final chosen designs selected based on their overall performance and effectiveness to efficiently water all plants and large grounds across property. The choice to have underground drop feeds installed

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/

is an example of this, the flexibility of using scheme and bore water was a desirable choice as it keeps water use to minimum.

The teams on the ground continuously work hard to maintain and troubleshoot Crown’s bore system ensuring the systems are serviced monthly and checked daily for any faults to the sprinkler programming. The teams also complete a morning check for any damaged sprinklers or pipes in the system, with a manual test carried out each week to ensure there are no issues therefore maximising water saving.

Taking a group-wide approach to environmental sustainability, Crown aligns strategies and programs that

Rotary sprinklers watering The Great Lawn and gardens surrounding Crown Perth.

10

The Overflow | Spring 2022

further reduce the environmental impact and contribute to developing more sustainable practices, focusing on three key areas: • Energy • Waste • Water management As part of this focus, Crown has an endorsed environmental management policy, an environmental management system which is overseen by the Property Services department and an active environmental program, CROWNEARTH, aimed at environmental sustainability which employees are encouraged to be part of.

Crown’s well-established, employeeled CROWNEARTH Committee continue to remain very active,

Crown Perth’s bore water iron filters. The backwash from these filters is used to water the lawn area along Camfield Drive.

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Now available locally from

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focusing on numerous energy, water and waste management initiatives, as well as communityfocused projects to improve the overall sustainability performance of the business. This committee also maintains staff engagement through employee events, training and communications to ensure staff and contractors are kept informed of Crown’s environmental performance and progress; and continue to embed sustainability as part of Crown’s culture.

The living wall located in Crown Towers Perth lobby and foyer.

OVERVIEW OF WATER SAVING TECHNIQUES AND MEASURES IMPLEMENTED > The use of bore water used to water gardens, reducing scheme water by 51,000 kilolitres per annum, water efficient plants and mulch are also used up to four times a year to reduce water usage in this area. > The bore iron filter backwash water is used to irrigate lawns, this is achieved through our gear driven sprinklers each time we backwash. We also use scheme water irrigation inside our resort across our numerous walls that consist of living plants located in the Crown Towers hotel. > Implementation of remote monitoring of the cooling tower conductivity levels, notifying managers of overflows and leaks through an SMS alert, allowing them to be investigated and rectified immediately. > Installation of 130 water submeters across the Crown Perth property. > Installation of aerators and restrictors on all hand basin outlets reducing flow to 3.5 litres per minute. > Conversion of single flush cisterns to dual flush. > Installation of flush timers to urinals to adjust the frequency and duration of flush times along with the addition of a bio sleeve to minimise water use and odour and prolong seals. > Daily inspections of toilets and kitchen areas undertaken by staff, with the ability to easily log and report leaks through the online maintenance work order system for immediate action.

12

The Overflow | Spring 2022

“This is a credit to our employees both within the Property Services team and the CROWNEARTH Committee who continues to drive change and raise awareness around the importance of being waterwise” Mr Fioraso said.

2-day Rostered

WATERING

From 1st September 2022, the sprinkler roster for Perth and Mandurah bore owners is aligned with the scheme water roster of two watering days per week. This is in response to climate change and the need to rebalance our groundwater use with reducing rainfall.

It is crucial to get the right amount of water to the plant as efficiently as possible. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you achieve a healthy Waterwise garden and support a two-day watering roster.

Irrigation System • • • • •

Know your soil type

Check your irrigation system is working properly.

Understand how much water is being applied per unit of time. Too much time will waste valuable water, not enough time will kill your plants.

Check your sprinklers are working properly. This includes not bypassing seals, sprinkler nozzles aren’t blocked, and grass is cleared from the sprinkler.

Be aware how much water is required by each section of your garden and make sure your system does not over-spray or under-spray.

For more information on how to test your irrigation system visit: watercorporation.com.au/irrigationtest.

Irrigation Controller

Test your soil to understand what type it is. You need to know the pH level, water and nutrient holding capacity and existing minerals.

One tablespoon of soil holds more than 20,000 microbial organisms.

This includes microscopic fungi and bacteria, nematodes, protozoa and earthworms. If you feed your soil, you will feed your plants.

• • • •

Soil Amendments

Use “smart technology” controllers so your irrigation system automatically adapts to weather conditions in advance. If sufficient rain is forecast, the system can be shut off. If marginal rain or cool conditions are forecast, watering time will be reduced.

•

Sprinkler Types

• • • •

• •

It is important to remember that different sprinkler types DO NOT have the same watering rates to apply a standard drink.

Lawns and gardens need a minimum of 10mm of water, twice a week to survive the summer heat. The graphic below has been designed to help you identify the correct run time for the sprinklers you have in your garden. Ideal sprinkler run times are also determined by soil type and the water requirements of your plants.

If you need further help, contact your local Waterwise Garden Irrigator.

These endorsed waterwise professionals are fully trained in best practice for domestic irrigation systems. Find your local irrigator at watercorporation.com.au/specialists

Clay found in the hills and Wheatbelt Sandy found along the coastal strip of WA .

Loam found in the hills and inland Duplex a combination of one layer on top of another eg. sand over clay, loam over sand.

Non-native plants and edible plants will require soil inputs such as compost, manures, bentonite or kaolin clay, rock dust and biochar.

Mulch

Mulch is like a sunscreen to your soil. Apply 5mm-10mm in depth.

Choose a chunky coarse mulch, which is better for water saving over soft, fine mulches like straw and lucerne.

Woody element and large particle size mulch that prevents evaporation and allows moisture to enter the soil.

Top up mulch every year.

Fertilise • • •

Choose slow-release fertilisers with added trace elements that are river safe and low in phosphorous. Look at the breakdown on the back of the container to ensure it has extra minerals.

Always water after applying fertiliser and never fertilise during heatwaves.

Apply liquid amendments such as liquid fertilisers, seaweed or kelp solutions only during the growth period.

Sprinkler Watering Run Times It’s important to remember that different types of sprinklers have different watering run times. This table can be used as a guide if you need to program your controller.

DRIPLINE

MICRO SPRAY

POP-UP/FIXED SPRAY

ROTARY

GEAR DRIVE ROTOR

Approximate watering rate (per hour) Suggested run time to apply 10mm standard drink*

15-20mm 30-40 minutes

35-45mm 13-16 minutes

35-45mm 13-16 minutes

10-15mm 40-60 minutes

10-20mm 30-40 minutes

*These are recommended run times for sandy soils and may need to be adjusted for other soil types like clay or loam.

Like our Facebook page “Waterwise Irrigation Programs” for more tips & promotions

Contact your local Waterwise irrigation professional for expert advice | www.waterwiseprograms.com.au

Sample table of analysis of fertiliser content Nitrogen – N Phosphorus – P Potassium – K Calcium – Ca Sulphur – S Magnesium – Mg Iron – Fe Silicon – Si Manganese – Mn Zinc – Zn Copper – Cu

Nitrate Ammonium Total Nitrogen Water Soluble Guano Total Phosphorus Sulphate Natural Mineral Ore Total Potassium Natural Mineral Ore & Carbonate Sulphate Natural Mineral Ore Total Sulphur Natural Mineral Ore & Sulphate Natural Mineral Ore Natural Mineral Ore Total Mineral Ore & Sulphate Total Mineral Ore & Sulphate Total Mineral Ore & Sulphate + 49 other trace elements

W/W

0.5% 6.0% 6.5% 0.6% 0.4% 1.0% 4.2% 0.8% 5.0% 6.5% 8.0% 2.0% 10.0% 2.0% 3.5% 9.0% 5500ppm 550ppm 500ppm

• • • • •

Month

JAN-FEB MAR APR MAY JUN-AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Wetting Agents •

Apply wetting agent granules or liquid to your turf and gardens. This will help water soak through the soil to the roots where it can be used by plants. Our sandy soils in WA are typically hydrophobic. A wetting agent is considered the olive oil of turf as it helps water stick to soil instead of sitting on the surface and not being absorbed.

Understanding your plants The rate at which plants lose water through transpiration varies with the type of plant and location. If possible, choose low water use plants suited to your conditions and group plants with similar water needs. This will enable you to water various parts of the garden differently. For example, annuals, vegetables, and pot plants may need shorter, more frequent watering by hand.

Hydrozones •

Design your garden according to water and soil needs by clustering the plants together on different irrigation stations. For example, fruit trees and vegetable gardens will require more watering than mature trees or a native garden.

•

Not all native plants are drought tolerant. Many come from higher rainfall and lower summer temperatures. To find waterwise plants that will grow best where you live, visit: watercorporation.com.au/plants For more waterwise tips and tricks visit watercorporation.com.au/waterwise

• •

•

•

A few things to remember: • •

Watering before 9am allows plants to use water throughout the day Check and maintain your irrigation system regularly

To Learn More About Any Of These Topics Visit

Aerate and verticut your lawn in Spring before the heat of Summer.

Removal of thatch, (spongy brown section of grass below the green leaf), by verticutting and aerating compacted lawns will assist in better penetration of water and nutrients.

Treat your lawn at least four times a year with a reputable, good quality wetting agent and soil moisture retainer. This will improve water holding capacity and eliminate dry patches. The best times to apply are beginning of September and December, late February and in July.

TIP: If your lawn is dying or dead, water alone won’t bring it back to life. Water will pool on the surface, flow to the lowest point, and disappear down a drain if this simple maintenance program is not undertaken.

•

Overwatering may cause excess run-off or water to penetrate below the rootzone and be wasted.

Our water is too valuable to waste.

You can measure how long each sprinkler station takes to apply a 10mm standard drink using catch cups. Free catch cups are available from Waterwise Irrigation Design Shops while stocks last. Find your local store by visiting watercorporation.com.au/specialists.

Couch, Buffalo, Zoysia, Queensland Blue and Kikuyu turf need lower amounts of water when correctly installed and maintained. They have excellent heat and drought tolerance.

Cool season grasses are not suitable for our WA climate. They have poor heat tolerance, low to average drought tolerance, and use far more water. Examples of cool season grasses are Ryegrass and Tall Fescue.

TIP: Make sure to also dethatch lawns every few years. If the thatch layer becomes thicker than about 2.5mm, it can intercept water and plant nutrients. This will restrict the amount of water to the root zone and can also cause disease.

The local weather station reports how much rain has been received in millimetres, not minutes. 1mm of water (applied either by rain or irrigation) = 1 litre of water applied evenly to 1m2. However, 1mm of water applied to the soil’s surface will soak in further than 1mm.

Catch Cups to measure a 10mm Standard Drink

100% 80% 60% Manual operation of controller as necessary System turned off (winter sprinkler swith-off) Manual operation of controller as necessary 60% 80% 90%

Turf Maintenance

Millimetres….. not minutes!

The roots of most plants are located within the top 30cm of the soil.

For Perth’s generally sandy soils, a 10mm “standard drink” per rostered watering day is sufficient to ensure water is readily available for the plant’s roots.

Seasonal adjustments

Turf - choice of variety is important

Native Plants •

Don’t mix different types of sprinklers on one watering station Always replace like for like when replacing broken sprinklers For professional advice, contact your local Waterwise irrigation professional Remember to turn off your sprinklers if rain is forecast Seasonal adjustments should be made to sprinkler run times outside of Summer months – see table below

Fertilise frequently but very lightly. You need a quality, environmentally friendly, slow-release lawn food. Frequent, light application (approx. every two months), keeps your lawn healthy by improving tolerance to limited water application. Also apply a liquid fish emulsion or kelp and humate/carbon-based product around the same time. This will assist your lawn in healing damaged leaf and root fibres and support development of good soil health.

TIP: As a rule, you should apply no more than 2kg of synthetic fertiliser per 100m². An ice cream container is roughly enough for the average front and backyard. Anything more than this is a waste.

•

Keep your lawn mower blades sharp. Dull blades damage lawn leaf and increase moisture loss. Never take more than a third of your lawns leaf at one time. Mowing hard and low particularly in summer, will accelerate evaporation from the soil under your lawn. Cutting turf too low inhibits photosynthesis which is not ideal.

TIP: Don’t mow too low and keep blades sharp.

•

To learn more on installing and caring for a low maintenance lawn, visit watercorporation.com.au/waterwise

www.watercorporation.com.au

Soil moisture monitoring for horticultural properties The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has received funding from the South-West WA Drought Resilience and Adoption Hub to assist 15 horticultural producers better schedule irrigations.

Soil moisture sensing equipment will be installed on five avocado farms, five apple farms and five tomato farms.

Growers will be able to access soil moisture graphs through the Wildeye website. Irrigation Development Officer Bill Bateman will help the growers interpret the results and provide the growers with feedback on their irrigation management.

On one property for each of the three crop types a range of sensors will be installed to allow comparison between equipment types. Field days will be held for each crop type and other interested farmers invited along to view the equipment and discuss the usefulness of soil moisture monitoring.

For further information please contact Bill Bateman at DPIRD on 97806100.

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Halls Head Solar Recycled Water Scheme – Opportunities & Constraints Article written by Dale Robinson, Senior Water Resources Officer, City of Mandurah The City of Mandurah’s Halls Head Solar Recycled Water Scheme was in the City’s best interest to upgrade the water supply in-order to provide existing water tanks for the water security and irrigation of local active and recreational public open space (POS).

At present the Leederville aquifer is the main water resource supporting and maintaining POS in Halls Head and Falcon sub-area. The reliance on this single water resource could result in a future gradual water quality decline and the consequence of the resource being negatively impacted and not being fit-for-purpose to support and maintain POS in this sub-area.

The current scheme includes the existing four passive parks (Magnetic Square, Paradise, Hayman Retreat and Montego (Hideaway Cove)) with the completed first stage of expansion focusing on conveying water to the current end of line Merlin and South Halls Head Primary School sporting ovals. This equates to a total area of 5.85Ha of POS requiring water security.

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The Overflow | Spring 2022

The Merlin and South Halls Head Primary School sporting oval are receiving recycled water from the Water Corporations Halls Head Resource Recovery Plant tank compound and during potential high irrigation periods (depending on seasonal conditions) a tank mix (Merlin 380kL tank) of recycled water with the onsite Leederville aquifer production bore.

A second stage of major works was completed during the 2020-2021 financial year with the old mainline servicing the existing four passive parks (Magnetic Square, Paradise, Hayman Retreat and Montego (Hideaway Cove)) being upgraded to connect to the previously installed 2 kilometers of mainline (Stage 1 Works).

The aim of the mainline is to provide a consistent sized pipe (160mm Outside Diameter) for the distribution of the recycled water.

A holistic schematic diagram of the recycled water scheme which includes Halls Head Resource Recovery Plant infiltration ponds, recycled water production bores, storage tanks and reticulation network and end-use sites (existing and proposed) is illustrated in figure 1.

Existing Recycled Water for Public Open Space

Future Recycled Water for Public Open Space.

Stage 2 Pipeline Infrastructure Upgrade (1.3km)

Stage 1 Infrastructure Recycled Water for Active Open Space.

Installation of a 2km Pipeline and Water Storage Tank (380kL)

Figure 1: Schematic diagram of the Halls Head recycled water scheme

Previous Scheme Upgrades

The Halls Head scheme has received upgrades to provide water to four parks in Seascapes and water to Merlin and South Halls Head Ovals. This upgrade was made possible via contributions from Water Corporation (during parallel works to install a sewer main) and due to an ageing leaking pipeline for the four parks in Seascapes.

Previous infrastructure scheme upgrades included the following;

•

Stage 1 (2017-2018) – Supply of a 2km mainline (160mm diameter, installed by the Water Corporation), 380kL Storage Tank at Merlin Oval, 150kL Storage Tank at the Halls Head Tank Farm, Distribution Pump upgrade, cabinet, electrical and communication.

•

Stage 2 (2018-2019) – Installation of 1.3km mainline upgrade. Upgrade existing mainline from 80mm diameter to 160mm diameter.

•

Stage 3 (2020-2021) – Water supply upgrade to existing tank storage. Solar Bore Recycled Water Provision.

Previous Water Supply Constraints and the need for a Scheme Upgrade

•

Over pumping the production bores via high flow-rates (i.e. >2L/sec) and drilling beyond the freshwater layer within the Superficial aquifer could result in saline intrusion and a significant decline in fit-for-purpose irrigation water.

Based on the current operation of the Scheme the following constraints have been identified:

Through existing production bores and new solar bores, the aim was to provide an increased combined flow

•

Water Corporations current water supply infrastructure is providing a limited total flow rate (two production bores) of 2.5L/sec.

rate of fit-for-purpose water to the storage tanks and ensure that the current four parks and Merlin Street ovals receive

•

A minimum of 8.5L/sec of water to fill the water storage tanks is required.

•

During the 2018/2019 financial year the area was investigated by drilling 3 bores outside the treatment plant in the City of Mandurah and have discovered that the freshwater lens is relatively thin (approximately 9 metres of freshwater) as you deviate from the infiltrated water basins, however the water is fresh and each new bore can produce a minimum of 2L/sec.

•

The water quality can be brackish and not fit-for-purpose in deeper drilled bores in the area and surrounding the treatment plant.

The Halls Head infiltration has previously been studied by CSIRO (Appendix 2) in October 2002 and it was discovered that the freshwater lens was 13 metres thick below the infiltration basins. The recent 3 bores drilled outside the treatment plant has demonstrated that the freshwater lens is not as thick resulting in approximately 9 metres of freshwater.

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The Overflow | Spring 2022

water security during the summer months.

As outlined in figure 1, an additional three recreational spaces have been identified as being able to come online as a result of the water supply upgrade. These recreational spaces (Quandong, Lakes and Mogum POS) received the recycled water infrastructure upgrade during the 2020-2021 Financial Year.

The following figure (Figure 2 – Water Supply Schematic) describes the proposed scheme upgrade and plan to take water.

Figure 2: Water Supply Schematic – Current Halls Head Recycled Water Scheme

The water supply considers the existing abstraction bores and new solar abstraction bores conveying water to the existing Halls Head Recycled Water Scheme Tank Farm. The water supply scheme could provide the following volumes of water as outlined in Table 1: Water Supply. The current water supply volumes for the 2021-2022 water year was 51,779kL/annum.

Please note that the water flow rates and water supply volumes are based on the production bores running continuously. The bores will cease conveying water to the storage tanks

Table 1: Water Supply to the Halls Head Abstraction Bore SPB1 (Existing abstraction) SPB2 (Existing abstraction HHRWS Bore 1 HHRWS Bore 2 HHRWS Bore 3 HHRWS Bore 4 Total

Bore Flow Rate (L/sec)

1 L/sec 1.5 L/sec 2.0 L/sec 2.0 L/sec 2.0 L/sec 2.0 L/sec 10.5 L/sec

24 Hour Water Supply (kL) 86,4 129,6 172,8 172,8 172,8 172,8 907.2

*Annual water supply based on 285 days due to the winter sprinkler ban. once full. The water metres will be recorded monthly to ensure the City does not exceed the annual water licence entitlement of 145,000kL.

Annual Water Supply (kL)* 24,624 36,936 49,248 49,248 49,248 49,248 258,552

Achieving a total flow rate of 10.5 L/ sec (minimum required 8.5L/sec) will provide an adequate water supply to provide water security for the

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current scheme which includes the existing four passive parks (Magnetic Square, Paradise, Hayman Retreat and Montego (Hideaway Cove)) and the end of line Merlin and South Halls Head Primary School sporting ovals.

A total area of 5.85ha of recreational space requiring water security.

The scheme upgrade will not result in a volume of water greater than 145,000kL/year, however it will be designed to allow for greater volumes of water to be taken in the future. It is likely a Managed Aquifer Recharge Hydrogeological Assessment will be required in the next five years.

Water Resource Investigation and Public Open Space Upgrade – Halls Head Catchment.

To ensure that the new bores and solar bores can provide ongoing fresh fit-forpurpose water it is recommended that the following steps occur to reduce risk before the Scheme is upgraded.

1. Complete a 48 hour pump test to the recently drilled production bores. The pump test should be initially stepped in, regards to flow rates with flows progressively

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The Overflow | Spring 2022

increasing until a water quality change is recorded. The pump test should be completed as a constant flow rate test at 2L/sec to determine if the water quality remains fresh.

2. Drill an additional production bore at the existing tank farm and complete the pump test as above.

The City of Mandurah’s Halls Head Solar Recycled Water Scheme was in the City’s best interest to upgrade the water supply in-order to transfer the existing water provision scheme assets and upgrade the water supply to the existing water tanks. This sustainable water supply has resulted in water security to active and recreational public open space (POS). A second stage of capital works was completed during the 2018-2019 Financial Year with the old mainline servicing the existing four passive parks (Magnetic Square, Paradise, Hayman Retreat and Montego (Hideaway Cove)) being upgraded to connect to the previously installed 2km’s of mainline (Stage 1).

However, a third stage was required in the 2020-2021 financial year, as the Corporations current water supply

infrastructure is providing a limited total flow rate (from two production bores) of 2.5L/sec. Essentially, a minimum of 8.5L/sec of water is required to fill the water storage tanks.

The aim for the 2020-2021 financial year was to complete the water supply upgrade (Stage three) by providing an increased combined flow rate of fitfor-purpose water to the storage tanks and ensure that the current four parks and Merlin street Ovals receive water security over the summer months.

The City of Mandurah’s successful upgrade of Stage three by providing increased flow rates to the water storage tanks has allowed the future option of supplying water to further recreational space. These parks (outlined in Figure 1) include Quandong, Lakes and Mogum public open space.

Overall, upgrading the scheme (which has included solar production bores, polyethylene pipeline upgrades and water tank storage) has provided water security to a total area of 5.85ha of recreational space, whilst allowing for greater volumes of water to be taken in the future for further public open space.

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Pictured: A salt-affected tree

Irrigation of crops with marginally saline water The salinity of some groundwater and surface water resources in the south of the state is increasing with climate change. Much of the better quality water is already allocated to irrigators and other users. There are large volumes of marginally saline water that are not being used for irrigation. For example, it is there are conservatively over 70 GL of moderate quality groundwater (1000 to 3000 mg/TDS) in the state (Marsden Jacob Associates 2022) and Wellington Dam contains over 30 GL of unallocated water that has a salinity of about 1400 mg/L TDS. In many

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The Overflow | Spring 2022

other countries in the world, water of this quality is used for irrigation of crops. It is likely that in the medium term future as unallocated, good quality water is taken up, potential irrigators will consider irrigating with marginally saline water.

Consequently, it is important that information is available for potential irrigators on what quality water can be used with what management given local conditions.

The south west of WA has a number of advantages when it comes the irrigation with marginally saline water:

•

There are large areas of sands in which any salt that has accumulated in the soil can be more readily leached than on heavier soils.

•

Reliable winter rainfall would in most situations result in annual leaching of salt from the soil profile.

•

On most of the sandplain there is no shallow or perched water table that will rise as a result of irrigation with marginally saline water and impact on crop growth.

•

Irrigation in most areas is self supply rather than from an irrigation scheme where there is a concentrated area of irrigated properties. Hence there is little likelihood of the salinity of the underlying aquifer increasing significantly as a result of irrigating with marginally saline water.

•

Sandy soils are generally not affected by soil sodicity that leads to poor soil structure.

Saline irrigation water impacts plants in two ways.

Salinity causes the osmotic potential of the soil water to increase which makes it harder for the plants to extract water causing plant stress. The second impact of salinity on plants is the direct toxicity of chloride and sodium.

Chloride and sodium can be taken up by the plant roots but also cause direct foliar burn on the leaves. Irrigation by drip or under tree sprinklers, where the foliage is not wet, allows higher salinity water to be used than with overhead irrigation or surface irrigation where the leaves are wet. The chemical composition of the irrigation water, and particularly the chloride and sodium content, is a significant factor in determining plant growth and not just the total dissolved solids (mg/L TDS).

The Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has recently commenced R&D to investigate and document management practices to enable sustainable use of marginally saline water in Western Australia. Crops differ in the tolerance to salinity. Applying additional water to leach salt from the crops root zone is the major approach used to deal with irrigation using marginally saline water, however irrigation type, irrigation frequency, maintaining soil moisture above critical levels, mulch to reduce evaporation from the soil and time of year and crop growth stage at which the saline water is applied are all considerations.

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Research into the use of marginally saline water on drip irrigated tomatoes, capsicum and rock melons will commence this spring on a sandy soil site at DPIRD South Perth. In addition, vegetable Research Scientist Lukasz Kotula will be installing soil salinity measuring equipment on selected horticultural properties to assist growers monitor salt impacts and to understand what management practices can reduce any impacts on the crop.

For further information or if you would like to be part of this research please contact Neil Lantzke on neil. lantzke@dpird.wa.gov.au References Marsden Jacob Associates (2022). Stocktake of water for irrigated agriculture in Western Australia. DPIRD internal Report.

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Designing a Central Smart Control Irrigation System The City continually seeks to undertake innovative initiatives to save water and build waterwise communities. The City upgraded and installed more than 200 irrigation controllers in parks and public open spaces between 2020 and 2022, each linking to a web-based central smart control irrigation system.

This article follows on from The Overflow, Winter 2022 issue which featured the City’s central smart control irrigation system and focuses on the design parameters and implementation considerations. The following steps were undertaken to design the City’s central smart control irrigation system.

1. Continually review and identify irrigation network improvement opportunities

The City values its natural water resources and undertakes sustainable water management practices.

Groundwater is the primary water source for the City’s reserves and public open spaces. Irrigation systems of turf and landscaped areas within reserves and public open spaces are maintained regularly which includes reviewing and modifying the irrigation

26

The Overflow | Spring 2022

to manage the water quality and availability.

Prior to 2010, the City identified that the current irrigation controllers were becoming increasingly unreliable and not operating efficiently. In addition, management and maintenance of the irrigation controllers at the time was resource intensive and involved a substantial amount of time to resolve issues resulting in irrigation systems being off-line for lengthy periods.

As part of a broader review of the City’s water management, the City investigated a range of ways of watering public open spaces, educating the community and protecting the local environment. A key priority was to create a balance between sustainable water use and ensuring the community continued to have access to functional public open spaces, particularly in the drying climate.

The review allowed the City to strategically plan through its maintenance schedule to improve the irrigation systems reliability, efficiency and effectiveness and address

some of the existing gaps with the irrigation controllers being used. The City’s review determined there was an opportunity to streamline and ensure consistency of the irrigation network, from both a management and maintenance perspective. From 2010-11 to 2017-18 the City undertook an audit of the irrigation network, and trialled a range of irrigation control systems which resulted in the decision to transition to a central smart control irrigation system. Throughout the initial review process the City consulted and liaised with the irrigation control manufacturers to ensure there was a shared understanding of the City’s vision. In some instances, the manufacturers advised the City that their irrigation controllers were not able to meet the City’s requirements.

In 2018-19 a more detailed action plan was developed to assist with the implementation of a City’s central smart control irrigation system. The approach to centralise the City’s irrigation included the integration of three local weather stations which allowed the City to effectively and in real-time implement evaporation-based control.

The City’s Water Management Team’s vision was to enhance and standardise the City’s irrigation operations through adopting a central, web-based, remote control enabled, reliable and efficient control system that had the ability to allow the City to implement an effective weather and evaporation-based irrigation control system.

help the City to use its valued water resources most efficiently.

2. Review of available irrigation control technology

•

The City commenced project planning by reviewing available irrigation network technology being used across multiple industries. There were a number of irrigation controller technologies available on the market and the City identified five irrigation controller technologies that would be suitable to consider for ongoing irrigation management of public open spaces, including Australian and International suppliers.

The City embarked on trialling four irrigation controller technologies in public open spaces to determine which option(s) would be the best fit and

The irrigation controller technologies were assessed against the following criteria: • •

• •

• •

• • •

Reliable irrigation control.

Automated, real-time and remotecontrol ability.

Accessible and user-friendly platform.

Flexibility to tailor bespoke irrigation programs for sites.

Ability to group irrigation controllers to automate programs for public open spaces.

Tracking and traceability of irrigation control actions.

Integration of weather stations to customise and further automate irrigation based on local weather observations.

Ability to support monitoring and reporting of groundwater use.

Ability to operate off renewable energy options like solar.

Ability to integrate moisture meters.

The irrigation controller trial took place over six years, with SignalCloud being the preferred controller due to its reliability, operating system and functionality, and compact nature which would reduce retrofits or amendments to existing cabinets. Signal understood and were able to meet the City’s irrigation control requirements and support the City to sustainably use water.

3. Selecting SignalCloud

The City’s Water Management Team reviewed the outcomes of the irrigation technology trials, assessed the recommended options and decided to progress with the SignalCloud technology.

It was evident to the City that this controller presented the most reliable option, with its leading two-wire set-up and being the only irrigation control system with live streaming. It was also preferrable the City engaged a local supplier that was trusted and familiar working with local governments.

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SignalCloud was selected due to the following features: •

Shared ownership and delegated control for all relevant staff: The philosophy behind SignalCloud is to spread and delegate control to those who need it. Traditionally, irrigation central control revolved around 1 or 2 administrators, with field staff being completely removed from the day-to-day control operations. The technology allowed irrigation staff to manage and implement irrigation controls, while still providing oversight from administrators. SignalCloud empowers organisations to have shared ownerships and manage access when required.

•

Compact Design: The compact nature of the design was favourably viewed as it meant the City’s existing cabinets could be used.

•

Easy servicing: Simple plug-andplay circuit board modules (with LED status indicators) reduce the need of expensive outsourced technicians to provide site repairs.

•

World-leading two-wire communications: Signal uses "smart" coils which eliminate the requirement for in-field decoders at every valve - essentially reducing the number of joints (and potential failure points) by half. Signal DataCoils report their status back to the controller every 3 seconds, helping tremendously with fault finding. This feature provides improved reliability in irrigation control and proved less susceptible to earth leakage.

•

Multiple inputs and features to suit complex site requirements: Signal controllers come with multiple sensor inputs and outputs for situations such as tank monitoring, dosing pumps, flow and pressure monitoring and soil moisture monitoring.

•

28

Weather-station integration: By connecting a weather-station to SignalCloud, administrators can automate program adjustments

The Overflow | Spring 2022

Irrigation controller

and provides complete access to all systems from anywhere, with instant fault notifications and analytics.

in-line with rainfall and evapotranspiration to prevent overwatering and underwatering during critical months and allowing for accurate water replenishment.

• •

The only control system with live streaming: The SignalCloud Mobile app allows users to stream their controller directly to their phone. Unlike other systems which provide simple on/off functionality,

Water budgeting and alarms: SignalCloud includes comprehensive water reporting for multiple meters per site, with customisable water budgeting and usage notifications as required.

•

Designed and manufactured in Australia: Signal manufactures products and develops software in Australia, which allows them to provide localised support and training for customers.

•

Trusted Supplier: Trusted by over 25 local government councils across Western Australia, Signal has become the gold standard for municipal irrigation control, with more systems installed in this market segment than any other brand.

4. Define project scope and objectives

The project objectives, scope, schedule and deliverables are summarised below.

Objectives • Use best-practice irrigation technology.

• Increased reliability of irrigation control.

• Real-time, web-based, centralised irrigation control system.

• Sustainable and efficient use of groundwater to irrigate and manage the City’s parks and public open spaces.

• Automate data collection and monitoring processes.

Smart weather station

Scope • Installation of 209 of SignalCloud’s SDS-50 and SDS-100 irrigation controllers across the City’s irrigated public open spaces.

• Integrate 3 weather stations.

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•

Undertake City-wide evapotranspiration programming.

Deliverables • Installation of 209 web-based enabled SDS-50 and SDS-100 irrigation controllers.

• Integration of the City’s 3 weather stations located in northern, central and southern suburbs.

• Adjust irrigation programs accordingly to data received.

• Ability to respond in real-time to wet weather events.

Future Actions • Pressure-Transducer upgrades for site-specific electrical cabinets.

• Electrical irrigation infrastructure audit to confirm locations where wiring between electrical cabinet and flow meters is required, and then subject to funding investigate electrical upgrades to site-specific locations.

• Automation of water consumption monitoring and reporting.

• Soil moisture meter integration for site-specific hydrophobic soil sites.

• Solar energy upgrades for strategic and suitable sites.

5. Build in flexibility

Selecting SignalCloud irrigation controllers has allowed the City to continually improve its irrigation operations, by progressively utilising more and more of the systems functionality and ability.

The City included the installation of pressure transducers in electrical cabinets, enabling real-time pressure monitoring of irrigation operating pressures. This is progressively being implemented City wide in line with the City’s irrigation capital works program, including Adelaide Park in Craigie.

The City is also scheduling an extensive audit of electrical irrigation infrastructure across its entire network, which will include reviewing the electrical conduit between the cabinets and flow meters. This will enable the City to commence automated abstraction volumes being recorded by the irrigation controllers and made available on the SignalCloud platform.

There are many sites with the wiring prepared for this capability to be

30

The Overflow | Spring 2022

utilised, such as Falkland Park, Kinross and Bramston Park, Burns Beach.

Soil moisture meters allow the City to determine and track the depth water soaks into the soil. In 2022-23 the City plans to strategically select sites with hydrophobic soils, such as Wandina Park in Duncraig, to use soil moisture sensors. The central smart control system allows the soil moisture sensors to be built into the program, and the platform provides detailed graphs which visually show the water penetration into the soil and root zones. This information further assists the City to refine and enhance its irrigation programs and cycles at select locations and also reduces the need to apply soil wetter. The irrigation controller in Wandina Park is run off a solar panel, which also supports the City to adapt to the changing climate.

Another example of building flexibility into the program was selecting between the SDS-50 and the SDS100 controller options based on site specific requirements. The City manages its public open spaces in alignment with its draft Public Open Space Framework, and prioritises irrigation of certain public open spaces, such regional parks and sporting facilities. Having the ability to select SDS-100 controllers for larger and complex irrigation designs enables the pairings of

multiple solenoid valves per zone; this increases flexibility to water smaller sections by using hydrozone principles and assists hydrologic design and maintenance. This also reduces costs, increases reliability and reduces maintenance issues.

The City set achievable leadtimes, however with the unforeseen pandemic and impacts to the supply chain there were some delays to the project. The City installed the majority of the controllers in 2020-21, with the remaining controllers installed in 2021-22.

6. Progressively review and improve design parameters

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. The ongoing improvements planned to continue to enhance the program will be covered in more detail in the summer issue.

The City’s central smart control irrigation system demonstrates the City’s leadership in regard to sustainable water management practices. The City used innovative technology to efficiently conserve water and protect the amenity of the public open spaces.

Perth’s rainfall-independent water source doubled to help replenish groundwater supplies In August, Water Corporation announced the expansion of its state-of-the-art groundwater replenishment scheme located in Perth’s north.

Due to Perth's increasing population and declining rainfall, we need to plan for a rainfall-independent future for our water sources.

In the 1960s, Perth recorded rainfall run-off (streamflow) into dams of 420GL per year. Dams supplied 88% of the city’s water needs. Today, Perth has just 70GL of streamflow, with dams providing just over 10% of our drinking water. To make up for

32

The Overflow | Spring 2022

this, Water Corporation is investing in rainfall-independent water sources like groundwater replenishment and desalination.

Declining groundwater supplies

The large Leederville and Yarragadee aquifers cover much of the Perth metropolitan area. Abstraction bores into these aquifers supply our groundwater. With reduced rainfall, Perth’s aquifers aren’t full like they once were.

To help recharge this precious groundwater, aquifers are injected with recycled water, known as groundwater replenishment. Wastewater undergoes

advanced treatment to produce purified recycled water, beyond drinking water standards.

Pioneers in groundwater replenishment

Water Corporation was the first water utility in Australia, and among the first in the world, to use groundwater replenishment. The first stage of the full-scale scheme started operating in 2017 at the Beenyup Advanced Water Recycling Plant in Craigie.

Since then, Stage One has injected more than 54 billion litres of recycled water back into the ground. That’s as much as 54 Optus Stadiums filled with water.

Due to the success of the first stage, Water Corporation has now commissioned the second stage of the scheme, doubling its recharge capacity up to 28 billion litres of water each year.

do, it’s treated once more before the water enters Perth’s Integrated Water Supply Scheme. This provides drinking water to more than two million Western Australians.

The purified recycled water is cleaner than the water already in the aquifers.

The recycled water is tested before and after recharging it into the ground.

The recycled water stays in the aquifers for many years before it’s drawn out again. But, when we finally

Recycling wastewater

In the past, treated wastewater wasn’t seen as a valuable resource.

After treatment, it was just pumped back out to the ocean. Today, Water Corporation recycles as much water and recovered material as possible.

The advanced water recycling plants are good for the climate. Groundwater replenishment uses the same reverse osmosis treatment process as seawater desalination. Yet, it is much more energy efficient using only around a quarter of the energy.

To learn more, visit http://www. watercorporation.com.au/GWR

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

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Bowie Developments

NEW

Donewell Contracting Dynamic Property Solutions Earlybird Landscaping Earth & Water Pty Ltd Ecoedge Retic Supplies

Peel Scape Solutions Perdita Reticulation & Garden Solutions Perfect Home Solutions Perth Irrigators Perth Lawns and Retic

Evergrow Gardenscapes

Perth Retic Repair

Fastlane Maintenance

Pimp My Yard

First Element Irrigation

Plantech Grounds Maintenance

Fluid Irrigation

Portworks

FPM Landscapes Pty Ltd

Pretty Blooming Good

Garden Solutions

PTC Irrigation

Greenworx

Pumps N Pipes Supplies

Groundskeeper Garden Services

Purely Irrigation

Growing Assets

Rain Maker Irrigation Services

HomeCare Reticulation

Rapid Reticulation Remedies

Horizon West Landscape & Irrigation

NEW

TLC Services Perth Top Dog Landscaping and Reticulation Turfed Out Ultimate Blue Pty Ltd Urban Reticulation VIP Home Services Wanda’s Gardening & Landscaping WaterLink Water Smart Services Pty Ltd Water Well Reticulation Waterwise Landscaping Westcoast Reticulation Services Western Irrigation Wet Frog Retic WF Landscape Industries Pty Ltd Wittens Irrigation & Design Yurra Pty Ltd

NEW

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.

Several Waterwise Garden Irrigators and Design Shops were randomly selected for audit in the 2021/22 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

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 Cockburn The Watershed Water Systems - Midland The Watershed Water Systems - Morley The Watershed Water Systems - Subiaco Think Water Broome Think Water Dunsborough

Reece Irrigation & Pools - Belmont

Think Water Geraldton

Reece Irrigation - Canning Vale

Think Water Perth

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

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

LD TOTAL

Country Water Solutions – Bunbury

Country Landscaping & Irrigation

Nutrien Water - Busselton

Nutrien Water – Bunbury

Fastlane Maintenance

PC Landscaping

Nutrien Water – Busselton

Fergies Total Lawn Care

Russell’s Retic

The Overflow | Spring 2022

37

JUST LIKE RAIN. BUT NO UMBRELLA NEEDED.

EFFICIENT. DURABLE. VERSATILE. With the revolutionary MP Rotator® Nozzle, you can install more heads on one zone with matched precipitation, no runoff, and water savings up to 30% over traditional sprays — plus 15 years of proven performance. Now that’s smart watering!

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL IRRIGATION |

Learn more. Visit hunter.info/MPe

National Free Call: 1 800 HUNTER Toll Free Fax: 1 800 651 680 www.hrproducts.com.au hrsales@hrproducts.com.au

Built on Innovation®

Tel: 1 300 856 368 Fax: 1 300 856 369 www.nelsonirrigation.com.au info@nelsonirrigation.com.au

50 Lynch St Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia Tel: 61 3 9562 9918 Email: pacrim@hunterindustries.com