Garden nightmare highlights risk to backyards in growing neighbourhoods
- Replies 12
We value our outdoor spaces—places to unwind, connect, and enjoy simple moments under the open sky.
But for one family, that vision has shifted into something far from ideal, offering a quiet reminder that things don’t always go to plan.
What began as a hopeful project has slowly unravelled into a lesson in unexpected challenges.
Martin and Bianca Don and their three daughters were excited to move into their new home in Yanchep, a suburb about 55 kilometres from Perth's bustling CBD.
However, their excitement quickly faded when they discovered their abysmally low water pressure, which had turned their garden aspirations into a sandy wasteland.
When they moved in a year ago, they noticed the water pressure issue immediately, but as time passed, the situation worsened.
'In terms of the water pressure here, it's a joke,' Mrs. Don lamented.
'Your dishwashers don't work properly, your washing machine doesn't work properly, you can't be doing multiple things at the same time, you can't have a garden.'
The couple's dreams of a grassy play area for their children were dashed when landscapers informed them that the only solutions were to either run one sprinkler at a time for hours on end or increase their water pressure—a costly and complex fix.
Their neighbour, Bianca Smith, shared their frustration. A landscaper had told him that their street had the worst water pressure he'd ever encountered.
The Dons and Smith have lodged multiple complaints with the Water Corporation, only to be told that their water pressure meets the minimum requirements.
The issue extends beyond individual households to the housing estate developer Satterley, who sold the land with the promise of a place to build a home.
New property owners in the Vertex estate are being asked to sign documents acknowledging the limitations due to low water pressure and releasing Satterley from any liability, with the blame placed on 'Water Corporation infrastructure.'
Satterley claims it only became aware of the water pressure issue in September and is working with all parties to find a resolution.
Meanwhile, the Water Corporation plans to install a booster pump station to support the development of new lots and increase water pressure for existing residents.
Completion is expected in early 2026 at an estimated cost of $1.3 million.
The Dons, unwilling to wait years for a solution, have taken matters into their own hands by installing a pressure pump and water tank at a personal cost of about $5,000.
'Someone needs to take responsibility for better planning,' Mrs. Don stated, highlighting the need for infrastructure that can handle the growing population in Perth.
This situation in Yanchep serves as a stark warning for all of us.
Before purchasing a property, especially in a new development, it's crucial to investigate the infrastructure, including water pressure, to avoid costly and frustrating issues down the line.
If you're already facing similar problems, there are steps you can take to mitigate the issue:
To address low water pressure and maintain a functional outdoor space, have a plumber evaluate your system and suggest solutions like pressure pumps or efficient irrigation.
Contact your local water authority to report concerns and discuss potential infrastructure upgrades.
Adopting drought-resistant landscaping, such as native plants or artificial turf, can reduce water demand.
Lastly, stay informed about your rights as a homeowner and work with your community to push for needed improvements.
Credit: YouTube
Have you experienced similar issues with water pressure or other infrastructure problems in your area? How have you managed to maintain your garden or outdoor space? Share your stories and tips in the comments below, and let's help each other keep our gardens green and our homes happy.
But for one family, that vision has shifted into something far from ideal, offering a quiet reminder that things don’t always go to plan.
What began as a hopeful project has slowly unravelled into a lesson in unexpected challenges.
Martin and Bianca Don and their three daughters were excited to move into their new home in Yanchep, a suburb about 55 kilometres from Perth's bustling CBD.
However, their excitement quickly faded when they discovered their abysmally low water pressure, which had turned their garden aspirations into a sandy wasteland.
When they moved in a year ago, they noticed the water pressure issue immediately, but as time passed, the situation worsened.
A backyard garden in Yanchep has been reduced to a sandpit due to poor water pressure. Credit: YouTube
'In terms of the water pressure here, it's a joke,' Mrs. Don lamented.
'Your dishwashers don't work properly, your washing machine doesn't work properly, you can't be doing multiple things at the same time, you can't have a garden.'
The couple's dreams of a grassy play area for their children were dashed when landscapers informed them that the only solutions were to either run one sprinkler at a time for hours on end or increase their water pressure—a costly and complex fix.
Their neighbour, Bianca Smith, shared their frustration. A landscaper had told him that their street had the worst water pressure he'd ever encountered.
The Dons and Smith have lodged multiple complaints with the Water Corporation, only to be told that their water pressure meets the minimum requirements.
The issue extends beyond individual households to the housing estate developer Satterley, who sold the land with the promise of a place to build a home.
New property owners in the Vertex estate are being asked to sign documents acknowledging the limitations due to low water pressure and releasing Satterley from any liability, with the blame placed on 'Water Corporation infrastructure.'
Satterley claims it only became aware of the water pressure issue in September and is working with all parties to find a resolution.
Meanwhile, the Water Corporation plans to install a booster pump station to support the development of new lots and increase water pressure for existing residents.
Completion is expected in early 2026 at an estimated cost of $1.3 million.
The Dons, unwilling to wait years for a solution, have taken matters into their own hands by installing a pressure pump and water tank at a personal cost of about $5,000.
'Someone needs to take responsibility for better planning,' Mrs. Don stated, highlighting the need for infrastructure that can handle the growing population in Perth.
This situation in Yanchep serves as a stark warning for all of us.
Before purchasing a property, especially in a new development, it's crucial to investigate the infrastructure, including water pressure, to avoid costly and frustrating issues down the line.
If you're already facing similar problems, there are steps you can take to mitigate the issue:
To address low water pressure and maintain a functional outdoor space, have a plumber evaluate your system and suggest solutions like pressure pumps or efficient irrigation.
Contact your local water authority to report concerns and discuss potential infrastructure upgrades.
Adopting drought-resistant landscaping, such as native plants or artificial turf, can reduce water demand.
Lastly, stay informed about your rights as a homeowner and work with your community to push for needed improvements.
Credit: YouTube
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