Backyard sprinklers have transformed the Aussie urban landscape. But their path to domination of our suburbs was haphazard — and hinged on the inventions of several knockabout tinkerers. Meanwhile with a rapidly drying climate, we may need to re-consider our reliance on this invention.

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Featuring:

James Purtill, technology reporter

Extra information:

How the garden sprinkler conquered Australia

This episode of Lab Notes was produced on the lands of the Gadigal and Menang Noongar people.

Lab Notes: The surprising history of the backyard sprinkler