Water restrictions
Water restrictions are used during periods of water shortages to make sure there is enough of this precious resource to go around.
During water restrictions, there are some things you can't do with tap water.
Ignoring water restrictions is illegal - follow water restrictions carefully as you could be fined if you ignore them.
Your local council or local water authority can explain any water restrictions that affect your local area.
Activities that could be affected by water restrictions
The types of activities that can be affected by water restrictions vary depending on where you are and the current level of restrictions.
Many activities can be affected by water restrictions. Some of the more common ones include:
Watering your garden
Watering your garden may be allowed but only on particular days and at set times.
One common approach is called the odds and evens system - odd numbered houses water on the odd calendar days of the month and the even numbered houses on the even numbered days.
Washing your car
You may not be allowed to wash your car during water restrictions and if you can you may need to use a bucket (not a hose).
Some levels of water restrictions only allow you to wash your car for health and safety reasons and only at a commercial car wash.
Washing windows and lights
Washing your external windows and lights may be banned during water restrictions, especially during times of the highest level of restrictions. Check with your local council or water authority if you need to wash your windows.
Water for a pool or spa
If you have a swimming pool or spa, you may need to have a water conservation plan submitted with your local council or local water authority.
If your pool or spa needs filling up, you might be allowed to do this with a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle. Under some levels of restrictions, you won't be able to fill up new pools or spas with tap water and may only be allowed to use a bucket.
Permanent water saving measures
Your state or territory may have some permanent water restrictions like:
- a ban on hand-held hoses without trigger nozzles
- a ban on washing of driveways and paths
- restrictions on using watering systems in your garden
Check with your local council or water authority for details about permanent water saving measures.
Five ways you can save on your water use
You can save water all the time in these ways:
- Reduce the amount of water you use inside by fitting water efficient showerheads, toilets, taps and appliances.
- Save on outdoor water use by reducing grassy areas and planting low maintenance native species. Keep paving areas to a minimum as they can get hot and dry out nearby soils.
- If you need to wash your car or bike, wash it on the lawn so that the grass gets a water at the same time.
- Sweep your paths and driveways instead of hosing them down.
- Reuse your water where possible before letting it go down the drain.
Find out about other ways to save water.
More information
See these resources for more information on water restrictions:
Rebates & assistance
As a home owner, renter or landlord, you could be eligible for financial assistance and home assessments to help you start saving energy and water sooner.
Find out about government rebates and assistance.
Why do it?
- Help save our most precious resource
- Pass on your good water saving habits to others
- Follow water restrictions to make sure you're not breaking the law
Did you know?
Water is used for everything from washing and cooking to irrigating crops and generating electricity. Water is also essential for maintaining the health of natural systems, which in turn support us.
What can I do?
Take Action
Page last modified: 20 Aug 2009