Water wise achievements - Australian Parliament House

Parliament House's water conservation measures

Saving water at Parliament House

Did you know that:

  • Parliament House is surrounded by approximately 23 hectares of gardens;
  • before water restrictions were implemented, 150 megalitres of water was typically used each year to maintain the grounds, including garden, lawns and 21 water features; and
  • during Stage 3 Water Restrictions, Parliament House has reduced water use by more than 40%.

The science behind all those lawns

Parliament House installed a water efficient Sitepro irrigation system in the mid 1990s, which reduced water use by 18%. The system calculates exact watering requirements of gardens and lawns through a weather station that reads wind speed, measures evaporation and takes into account rainfall and soil moisture levels.

A water audit in 2003 produced a 4.5% saving in water use and the completion of a sprinkler replacement program in 2005 produced a saving of 1.5%.

40% reduction in water use—exceeding Stage 3 Water Restriction targets

To achieve the reductions required under Stage 3 Water Restrictions (35% reduction), all water features were switched off; the dumping of water from air conditioning cooling towers was postponed; seasonal planting of annuals did not occur and watering of the recreational oval was decreased significantly (rendering it unusable at times). Further water savings were achieved by discontinuing the irrigation of nine hectares of gardens and lawns, including the gardens on either side of the ministerial entrance, resulting in the loss of around 8,000 shrubs and trees.

Watering priorities were given to some turfed areas and internal courtyards, particularly the lawns on the roof of Parliament House to prevent damage to the membranes that waterproof the building. Nevertheless, savings were also made in these areas. There was a 3% reduction in irrigation to the turf on the ramps, 5% reduction in the courtyards, 15% reduction to the formal gardens and 25% reduction to all buffalo grass areas (tennis court lawns and two viewing strips in the south-east corner of the landscape).

Continued water savings

How will Parliament House become less reliant on water into the future?

  • Drought resistant plants will replace those that were lost during the drought.
  • Consideration is being given to replacing lawns with warm season grasses such as buffalo and couch grass and using native grasses in areas that do not receive heavy traffic. Zoysia grass is also being trialled for use in the internal courtyards. These new grasses are expected to use only half the amount of water the current turf varieties use.
  • Drip irrigation in shrub beds, in combination with wetting agents, will be trialled in the coming months.
  • Additional water meters will be installed so more detailed information on consumption can be provided.
  • Waterless or low water use urinals are being introduced, following appropriate testing.
  • Investigation into the feasibility of using recycled water will be undertaken.

What restrictions apply?

Under Stage 3 Water Restrictions, those managing Lawns and plants at parks, sports amenities, golf courses and public gardens are required to reduce water consumption by 35%. Restrictions related to pools, ponds and fountains also apply.


This information in this fact sheet is regarded by Parliament House as correct at the time it was written.