Permanent Water Use Rules were introduced in 2011 to help manage our water efficiently. These rules let you know how you can use water around your residential or commercial garden or lawn.
Water use rules, restrictions & responsibilities don't apply to recycled, reclaimed, rain or grey water except if supplemented by drinking water.
Key water use rules
Using a hand-held hose
You can only use a hand-held hose that is fitted with a leak-free trigger nozzle.
Watering your garden or lawn
A residential or commercial garden or lawn can only be watered with:
- A hand-held hose (with leak free trigger nozzle), a bucket or a watering can at any time; and
- A watering system between the hours of 6pm – 10am on any day.
Fountains and water features
Fountain or a water features can only be used if they recirculate the water.
Cleaning hard surfaces
You can only clean hard surfaces (including, driveways, paths, concrete, tiles, timber decking) if:
- cleaning is required as a result of an accident, fire, health hazard, safety hazard or other emergency A watering system between the hours of 6pm – 10am on any day.
- staining to the surface has developed, and then only once a season (every three months)
- 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 (with leak free trigger nozzle) or a bucket.
Public gardens, lawns and playing surfaces
A public garden, lawn area or a playing surface can only be watered:
- with a hand-held (leak free trigger nozzle) hose, bucket or watering can at any time
- with a watering system fitted with a rain or soil moisture sensor between the hours of 6pm – 10am on any day
- in accordance with an approved Water Use Plan.
