The Central Australian Ultimate Irrigation User Guide is now live
Territorians know how precious water is, particularly in Central Australia where evaporation far exceeds rainfall.
Helping households and businesses use water wisely while still enjoying healthy gardens is the focus of the Central Australian Ultimate Irrigation User Guide.
The guide officially launched in Alice Springs on 18 April 2026. It has been developed by Power and Water with support from the Department of Lands, Planning and Environment’s Office of Water Security.
It provides practical, easy-to-follow advice tailored specifically to Central Australia’s arid climate, supporting water efficiency while maintaining liveable, green outdoor spaces.
Established in 2014, Living Water Smart helps households and businesses reduce water use through practical education, tools, and simple actions to cut waste and reduce leaks. Originally delivered in the Top End, the program has now expanded to support regional communities across the Territory as demand for water continues to grow.
Outdoor watering accounts for up to 60% of household water use, making irrigation one of the biggest opportunities for water and cost savings.
Even small changes to how and when gardens are watered can deliver significant benefits for both households and the broader water supply.
The guide includes locally tailored advice on:
- how much water your garden really needs
- irrigation system design and installation
- drip irrigation best practice
- controller programming and seasonal adjustment
- soil improvement and mulching to reduce evaporation
- water harvesting
- plant selection suited to arid conditions.
To get the guide, go to the Living Water Smart website.
The guide complements other Living Water Smart initiatives that support long-term water security across the Northern Territory, building on the success of earlier demand management and community education programs.
If you live in the Top End, get the guide for tropical climates on the Living Water Smart website.
