Subsurface dripline tubing — an experimental design for assessing the effectiveness of using dripline to apply treated wastewater for turf irrigation in Western Australia

Using sub-surface dripline has several advantages over sprinklers, when irrigating with treated wastewater. However, sprinklers are still preferred for landscape irrigation in Western Australia (WA). A trial funded by the Water Corporation is currently being conducted in the Town of Northam. The trial will test the effectiveness of subsurface dripline for use with reclaimed water in municipal parks and gardens. This paper describes the methodology and indicates expected outcomes. The literature reviewed suggests that although subsurface dripline has limitations, it should effectively irrigate turf if care is taken to install and manage a system properly. Like any method of effluent irrigation, consideration must be given to the impacts of nutrients, salts, pathogens, and other potentially detrimental species in the water. Local councils in WA, and elsewhere, may gain information from the results, which will be useful when evaluating the option of using dripline for wastewater irrigation.