Level two water restrictions begin today – this is what you can and can’t do
Residents of Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Illawara region will face tough new water restrictions from today, forcing those who fail to comply to cough up hefty fines.
The NSW Government announced the introduction of “level two” water restrictions in November, as dam levels continue to decrease in drought conditions.
The rules will be put in place from December 10, applying to all residents and businesses in the affected areas. For the first time since the millennium drought in 2003, level one restrictions were introduced in June.
“Usually, we would expect to have level two water restrictions come into effect when dam levels reached 40 per cent,” said Premier Gladys Berejiklian in a statement.
“But given the rapid rate of decline of our dam levels we have decided to enact the next level restrictions sooner than planned. We’re introducing level two restrictions to save 78.5 gigalitres of water per year.”
Those who are caught breaking the rules will be penalised $220, while businesses will face one of $550.
Level two water restrictions are crucial to help manage NSW’s increasingly low water supply.
“We’re doing the work to save as much drinking water as we can to ensure there is enough if the drought persists,” said Water Minister Melina Pavey.
“Businesses who rely upon outdoor water use as part of their operations need to get an exemption. If a business applied for and received a permit under the previous level of restrictions, they’ll need to contact Sydney Water to confirm it’s still valid.”
The biggest changes for residents and businesses in the affected areas are:
- You can only use a watering can or bucket to water your garden before 10 am and after 4 pm.
- You can only use drip irrigation or smart watering systems for a maximum of 15 minutes a day per watering zone, before 10 am and after 4 pm.
- You can only top up an existing pool or spa, using a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, watering can or bucket for a maximum of 15 minutes a day. You can only do this to replace water lost through evaporation, not to replace water deliberately removed from the pool or spa.
- You can only wash your vehicles with a bucket and sponge.
- You need a permit to fill new or renovated pools and spas that hold more than 500 litres.
Recycled water, greywater, rainwater, bore water and river water is allowed under the new restrictions, however they may come with their own conditions as to how they can be used.