A new irrigation guide is helping Central Australians save water and money as part of a broader push to improve water efficiency in one of the Territory’s driest regions.

The Ultimate Irrigation User Guide for Central Australia offers practical, locally tailored advice for households, businesses and landscapers navigating the challenges of an arid climate.

In Central Australia, where evaporation exceeds rainfall by more than tenfold, efficient water use isn’t just encouraged, it’s essential.

Gardens can account for up to 60 per cent of household water use, making changes to irrigation practices a key target for savings.

Power and Water water demand specialist Dan Brown said the guide, developed through the Living Water Smart program, was designed with local conditions in mind.

‘In Central Australia, every drop counts,’ he said. ‘This new Ultimate Irrigation User Guide provides clear, practical advice to help households and businesses in that region use water more efficiently while keeping their gardens healthy.

‘This guide is tailored specifically to our arid climate and supports the Northern Territory Government’s commitment to water security and responsible demand management.’

Living Water Smart is a Northern Territory Government-funded Power and Water initiative to help Territorians save water and money while strengthening long-term water security.

It followed Alice Water Smart, a 2-year program that reduced town water use by 1,600 million litres annually through community engagement, incentives for residents/businesses, and improved efficiency.

‘Living Water Smart is about practical solutions that save money and help protect our most precious resource,’ Mr Brown said.

The new Ultimate Irrigation User Guide focuses on simple, achievable ways to reduce water use without sacrificing healthy gardens or green spaces.

It includes tips on everything from irrigation system design and drip watering to soil improvement, mulching and choosing plants suited to dry conditions.

You can find the guide online at https://www.livingwatersmart.com.au/.