New rooftop weather stations and smart irrigation controllers have been installed in 40 Darwin schools, as part of the new Weather Web program that aims to save 120 million litres of water annually.
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The NT Government has made no announcement on moving the program to other areas, like Katherine.
The water savings across the community may have a significant impact on our water supply levels.
The information from Weather Web allows users to access live weather information that is localised to their suburb. Information includes rainfall, temperature, wind and humidity.
The localised information will enable schools and households to irrigate their properties appropriately and responsibly.
The Weather Web program was developed in response to Power & Water's research which found that almost 60 per cent of household water use in the average Darwin region home is in the garden, with most people overwatering without realising it.
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Most irrigation systems are set to run a certain number of days of the week for a set duration, no matter how much rain there has been over that time or if the temperature drops.
The information from Weather Web works in conjunction with the new smart irrigation controllers which can automatically control and adjust the amount of water that gardens receive based on real-time weather data via a Wi-Fi connection.
Weather Web can also be used without smart irrigation controllers as it can help the community better understand the link between rainfall and watering, as well as provide live weather information.
Renewables, Energy and Essential Services Minister Dale Wakefield said: "Water is a precious resource and the Territory Labor Government is managing it responsibly to ensure its sustainability. Through the Weather Web program, we can substantially make water savings which will have a positive impact on our water supply levels.
"The Weather Web program will be accessible to the wider community, which includes councils and government departments to better inform their watering schedules at parks, ovals, verges, and other public places.
"The success of the Weather Web program can potentially save 120 million litres of water annually."
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Chris McLennan
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
