Watering Parks and Public Open Spaces

Please note: The following policy on the watering of parks and public open spaces in Canberra, excludes sportsgrounds.

Under Stage 3 water restrictions, the ACT Government irrigates grass and trees in high use public areas in town and district parks. 

Survival watering is undertaken of trees in high profile areas, such as in Canberra Central, on Northbourne Avenue and in regional shopping centres. Survival watering is defined as deep cyclic watering which favours tree growth and not grass growth. The infrequent watering is not sufficient to sustain a healthy grass sward during hot dry weather.

Irrigation is undertaken to establish new landscapes in high use areas such as shopping centre refurbishments.

Irrigation is turned off at all other locations, including local shopping centres.

Non-potable water is used to irrigate public parks adjacent to lakes and ponds, where accessible and under licence by the Environment Protection Authority.

Non-potable water is also used to water young trees and shrubs using water trucks to cart the water.