Water-wise gardener defends his patch

By Callan Date
WALTER Jurgens may share a similar name to a famous water waster – but the Narre Warren South resident is quite the opposite.
Mr Jurgens says he is definitely no Wally when it comes to water.
However, it seems someone is green with envy about his lush lawn and thriving garden.
So green that they decided to drop Mr Jurgens an anonymous letter accusing him of flouting the newly introduced Stage 3 water restrictions.
The letter, which was hand delivered to Mr Jurgens’ mailbox, read “Due to your non-compliance towards Stage 3 water restrictions we have reported you to the water police.”
It also included several pictures of African children drinking dirty water and obtaining water with a hand pump.
“I was angry when I first read it. I thought this is getting ridiculous,” Mr Jurgens said.
He said whoever wrote the letter was clearly misinformed, as he was not breaking the restrictions at all.
“I installed two rain water tanks in October. They hold about 4500 litres and I use the water for my lawn and garden,” he said.
“I also recycle all our bath and spa water by connecting a hose and pump and pumping it out onto my lawn after we have used it,” Mr Jurgen said.
The avid gardener said one bath tub of water was enough to give nearly all of his front garden a drink.
Mr Jurgen said he has no obligation to inform his neighbours that he was using recycled water on his garden.
“I don’t have to justify myself to anyone. I find it insulting that Mr Thwaites (Water Minister) says I should put a sign up saying what I’m doing,” he said.