From December 10, NSW residents will face as the Bureau of Meteorology forecasts a hot, dry summer. In an effort to retain as much water in dams, restrictions will be enforced in the Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains and Illawarra areas.
To avoid copping huge fines, be aware of the following rules:
Watering lawns and gardens
You can only use a watering can or bucket to water your garden before 10 am and after 4 pm. Source: Milly Eaton from Pexels
- Watering the lawn or garden is allowed before 10 am and after 4 pm using a watering can or bucket
- Use of drip irrigation systems or smart watering systems that has the following features: a rain sensor or a soil moisture sensor; However, they can only be used for a maximum of 15 minutes a day per watering zone
What’s not allowed
- Use of standard sprinkler, soaker hose, mist sprayer, tap timer or watering system are not allowed at any time
- Leave hoses and taps running unattended
- Allow water to run off on to paths or roadways
- Put sprinklers on for children to play under
Washing vehicles and boats
You can only wash your vehicles with a bucket and sponge. Source: Pexels
What’s allowed
- Use a bucket or sponge to wash cars, trucks, vans, motorbike, trailered vessel, trailers or caravans. Washing at the commercial car wash is permitted.
- Wash private boats for a maximum of 10 minutes using a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle (if the boat has been in seawater)
- Flush boat motors with a bucket or a purpose-designed flushing device connected to a hose
- Clean bilges, essential safety components of boat trailer using a high-pressure cleaning device or hose fitted with a trigger nozzle
What’s not allowed
- Wash cars, trailer or boat with a hose, even if it’s fitted with a trigger nozzle, except as described above
- Leave hoses and taps running unattended
Caring for pets
Cleaning or washing pets using a bucket and sponge is permitted. Source: Pixabay
What’s allowed
- Provide drinking water for animals
- Clean or wash using a bucket and sponge, a hose with a trigger nozzle or a professional animal wash service
- Clean pens, yards and cages using hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, bucket or high-pressure cleaning equipment
What’s not allowed
- Leave hoses and taps running unattended
- Use a hose not fitter with a trigger nozzle to fill water dishes, clean animals or clean pens.
What are the fines for breaching the restrictions?
Fines of $220 apply to individuals and $550 for businesses. Sydney Water community offices will be issuing infringement notices to those who fail to comply.
NB: Water restriction names and rules vary throughout Australia due to local requirements. For more info about water restrictions in your state, visit the .
