General Questions
Why were Stage 3a water restrictions being introduced?
Melbourne has experienced below average rainfall since mid-2006 and streamflow into our reservoirs during 2006 was the lowest recorded, so it is important that we continue to save water. By introducing Stage 3a water restrictions, we are reducing the likelihood of the need to introduce Stage 4 restrictions. By doing this, we are minimising the impact on industries affected by water restrictions, protecting jobs and allowing community activities such as sport to continue. However, if our storage levels substantially deteriorate, we may need to implement tougher restrictions.
Gardening rules
Under Stage 3a water restrictions, can I water my lawn?
No. There is a complete ban on watering lawns for residents and businesses.
Under Stage 3a water restrictions, can I water my garden?
Yes.
The primary change to the rules in Stage 3a water restrictions is that gardens can only be watered in the morning on your specified watering days as required. There is no evening watering.
A manual dripper systems that you turn on or off by hand, hand-held hoses fitted with trigger nozzles, watering cans and buckets can only be used between 6am-8am to water your garden as required on specified watering days.*
Automatic dripper systems that turn themselves on and off can only be used between midnight-2am to water your garden as required on specified watering days.*
*Even numbered houses can water on Saturday and Tuesday.
*Odd numbered houses can water on Sunday and Wednesday.
*Watering is not permitted on Monday, Thursday and Friday.
* Properties that have no number are considered an even numbered property.
Dripper Systems
Where can I purchase a dripper system?
By contacting your local irrigation specialist which you can find by visiting www.irrigation.org.au or by accessing your yellow pages (under irrigation). You can also visit you local garden centre.
Vehicle Washing
Under Stage 3a water restrictions, can I wash my car?
An efficient commercial car wash that uses 70 litres of water or less per vehicle can be used. Look for signage that is to be displayed and informs you how many litres of water are being used for each car washed.
A bucket, filled directly from a tap can be used to clean windows, mirrors and lights; and spot-remove corrosive substances.
Pools and Spas
Under Stage 3a water restrictions can I fill my pool?
A new pool or spa of any size capacity cannot be filled.
An existing pool or spa of less than 2,000 litres may be filled with a bucket filled directly from a tap
An existing pool or spa of greater than 2,000 litres must not be filled except in accordance with a water conservation plan (contact your local water business for more information)
An existing pool or spa must not be topped up except by means of a watering can or bucket, filled directly from a tap (not by means of a hose)
Sportsgrounds
What are sportsgrounds doing to save water?
Each local council rationalises their sportsgrounds. This means that one in four are selected to be watered. Water used on the sportsground needs to be reduced by 25%, in accordance with a water conservation plan, that has been submitted by each council.
Why are one in four sportsgrounds still permitted to water?
It is important that we keep our community sport going while still cutting back the amount of water that we are using.
Industry
What is industry doing to save water?
Water restrictions have always applied equally to industry, however additional measures are being introduced by the Government and the water industry. These measures are designed to minimise impact on the economy whilst still making significant water savings. New compulsory water saving measures for commercial and industrial customers are planned for the near future. Water retailers will continue to work with the biggest industrial commercial and institutional water users.
Solutions
What solutions are there for water restrictions?
Solutions for water restrictions include:
- Using a bucket to collect ‘warm up’ water in the shower or scooping out bath or basin water
- Greywater diversion – connect a greywater diverter to your outdoor piping and collect the water in a large container
- Permanent Greywater Systems – Install a permanent system for an alternative source of water for your garden. These systems must be installed by a plumber and require approval from your council
- Remember greywater must be used within 24 hours of collection unless it has been treated. For further information contact the Environment Protection Authority www.epa.vic.gov.au/water or phone 9695 2722
Water Patrols
Do you have people to enforce water restrictions?Water patrols have been introduced to ensure that water retailers have a stronger presence in the community throughout the duration of water restrictions. There are over 140 officers and 90 cras partrolling the streets, 24 hours a day. Water patrol officers are employees of City West Water, South East Water and Yarra Valley Water, and are also burst and leaks maintenance employees and meter readers. Water patrols look out for customers who are not complying with water restrictions, visit houses where people are asking for advice, and provide assistance on restrictions, as well as follow-up suspected breaches.
13WATER
How do I get more information on water restrictions or report a breach?
13WATER (13 92837) is word phone number customers can call if they would like information on water restrictions, report a breach on water restrictions or report a water or sewage emergency or fault. The call is then diverted to the appropriate water retailer.