The Five Key Rules are:
1. Use Manual Watering Systems Only Between 8pm-10am
Manual watering systems (that you turn on or off by hand) can only be used to water gardens and lawns between 8pm-10am, any day of the week. This rule also applies to public gardens and recreational areas.
2. Use Automatic Watering Systems Only Between 10pm-10am
Automatic watering systems (that are set to turn on and off automatically) can only be used to water gardens and lawns between 10pm-10am, any day of the week. A rain or soil moisture sensor must be fitted to all new systems installed from 1 September 2005. These rules also apply to public gardens and recreational areas.
3. Fit Your Hose With a Trigger Nozzle
A hand-held hose must be fitted with a trigger nozzle and can be used to wash your car and water your gardens and lawns at any time.
4. No Hosing Paved Areas
Hosing down driveways, paths, concrete, timber decking and other paved areas is not permitted. This does not apply in the case of an accident, fire, health hazard or other specified circumstances.
5. Apply To Fill a New Pool
Before filling a new pool or spa, owners must submit a plan and have it approved by their government water retailer. This plan must show how the volume of water required to fill the pool or spa will be, or has been, offset by water saved around the home. This rule only applies to pools or spas with a capacity of 2000 litres or more.
More Information
- Permanent Water Saving Rules Fact Sheet (PDF, 99 kB)