Being water wise
Water is one of our most precious resources, essential for life.
Permanent Water Saving Rules are in place across the state every day of the year. These simple, common-sense rules help us all use drinking water wisely to reduce waste and ensure we’re doing our part to safeguard it for generations to come.
The rules apply only to drinking water — not greywater, rainwater, bore water, or recycled water.
Below is a summary of the rules. For full details, refer to our Permanent Water Savings Plan or check out our FAQs below.
We also have heaps of other water saving tips you can check out here.
What are the rules?
Sprinklers and watering….before 10am or after 6pm
Cars and boats….use a bucket or trigger nozzle
Trigger nozzle….use at any time!
Water features….must recycle water
Hard surfaces….clean with a broom
Recreational areas….water before 10am or after 6pm
Frequently asked questions
As the rules do restrict water use, they can be considered a basic form of restrictions, and – like restrictions – are enforceable under law. However, unlike staged (numbered) water restrictions, the water saving rules are permanent and don’t have an end date.
The permanent water saving rules are in place to help conserve our water supply into the future.
Sometimes, we also need to introduce stricter water restrictions to help manage urban water use when water supplies are low. There are four stages of restrictions, ranging from stage one (mild) to stage four (severe). At the moment, we’re fortunate that we don’t have restrictions beyond the permanent water saving rules across our region.
A high-pressure water cleaner is an electric or petrol-powered device that connects to a hose, forcing water out at high pressure for more effective cleaning.
The rate of delivery must be 9 litres per minute or less.
A watering system is any automatic or manually operated system of sprinklers, drip hoses, weep hoses, etc. Even a simple garden sprinkler connected to a tap is considered a watering system.
The most efficient and effective watering system is a sub-surface drip hose, connected to a timer to water overnight. This ensures plants get water near their roots, and minimises water loss to evaporation.
It’s more efficient and effective to water your garden when the sun goes down. Lower evaporation means water is more likely to get to plant roots.
Water can only be used to clean hard surfaces (including, driveways, paths, concrete, tiles, timber decking) when:
- cleaning is required as a result of an accident, fire, health hazard, safety hazard or other emergency; or
- if staining to the surface has developed and then only once a season; or
- in the course of construction or renovation,
and then only by means of
- a high pressure water cleaning device;
- or if such a device is not available, a hand-held hose or a bucket.
No, the Permanent Water Saving Rules apply only to drinking water supplied through our reticulation network.
No.
Yes. There are no restrictions on washing windows.
Cars, boats and other vehicles can be washed at home at any time or any day, using
- a high-pressure water cleaner; or
- a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle; or
- a bucket or watering can.
The same rules apply to car dealerships.
Yes. There are no restrictions on filling or topping up pools, spas or ponds under the Permanent Water Saving Rules.
Yes, water can be used at any time for:
(a) human health requirements;
(b) stock and animal health requirements;
(c) fire fighting; or
(d) the safety of, but not the cleaning of, vehicles or equipment.
In other special circumstances you can request an exemption from some permanent water saving rules. See below for more information.
Water use plans and exemptions
A Water Use Plan controls the use of water for specific purposes or for a specific stage of restrictions. It helps you maximise your water-savings during restrictions.
In special circumstances, you can also request an exemption from some permanent water saving rules or a stage of water restrictions.
You can use our online application to apply for:
- An exemption to permanent water saving rules or a stage of water restrictions
- A Water Use Plan
Our Permanent Water Saving Plan
