You wrote this in 2003, and still no comment until now.There is
much written re-water or lack of enough of it, and I have only read a fraction. What we need is rain. Were I live we had water carted to our rain water tanks in the 70's, then pipe line in early 80's from 20klm away that connected to McKenzie river supply, dearer water rates, but worth it. We have the set hours for sprinklers, that the larger centre does not, and it is the one growing and housing workers for the expanding mining industry. We had to convert from 'outhouse toilet,' to 'septic-duel-flush,' as new age waterless toilets were then not acceptable in private residence.The "blockie" across the road, can water his cattle and horse, so I don't see why my 'fruit trees,' should not get a drink too. Just the basic of water use,it is he who has the money to pay, that can use the most water..