Water Wise rules and water restrictions – what you can do around your home

Changing rainfall patterns and drought has meant Australians have become accustomed to living with water restrictions. Water restrictions are essential to ensure healthy and reliable water supplies now and into the future.

 

Restrictions will depend on how much rain has fallen in the water catchment near where you live, and on dam levels. Restrictions are usually seasonal, meaning you will probably be on a higher restriction stage in summer when there is little rain. Your state or territory may have permanent water saving measures in place throughout the year such as: set times to water your garden; not using tap water to wash driveways or paths; less efficient types of watering systems may be banned; and hand-held hoses may have to be fitted with trigger nozzles.

 

Water restriction levels are generally set by state and territory governments. In NSW, Sydney Water introduced the Water Wise Rules in June 2009 to replace drought restrictions. The Water Wise Rules are simple, common sense actions. It is your responsibility to make sure you are aware of the current restrictions that are in place and what you need to be doing.

 

The main Water Wise Rules:

  • Watering, including with sprinklers and irrigation systems, is allowed any day before 10 am and after 4 pm to avoid the heat of the day.
  • All hand held hoses must have a trigger nozzle.
  • No hosing of hard surfaces such as paths and driveways.
  • Washing vehicles is allowed.
  • Fire hoses may be used for fire fighting activities only.

 

What you can do around your home:

  • Wash your car on the lawn wherever possible. This will not only water and fertilise your lawn but will also avoid stormwater pollution.
  • Avoid any form of outdoor hosing between 10 am and 4 pm to avoid the heat of the day, when evaporation is high.
  • By installing a rainwater tank you can replace tap water with rainwater to water your garden. This will also help reduce your water bills.
  • Use a broom to clean up leaves, grass clippings, dirt, dust or general litter on paths or driveways instead of hosing.

 

Contact Sydney Water Tanks today on 1800 041 111 to find out about how an underground water tank can help you reuse rainwater and save you money!

 

For more information about the Water Wise rules visit Sydney Water: http://www.sydneywater.com.au/SW/water-the-environment/what-we-re-doing/water-restrictions/index.htm

 

For more information about water restrictions visit Living Greener: http://www.livinggreener.gov.au/water/water-in-the-home-and-garden/water-restrictions#washing_your_home_and_surrounds

 

Sources:

Living Greener: http://www.livinggreener.gov.au/water/water-in-the-home-and-garden/water-restrictions#water_for_a_pool_or_spa

Sydney Water: http://www.sydneywater.com.au/sw/findnow/index.htm?fn_url=http://sydneywater.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/575

 

Water Wise rules and water restrictions – what you can do around your home

Changing rainfall patterns and drought has meant Australians have become accustomed to living with water restrictions. Water restrictions are essential to ensure healthy and reliable water supplies now and into the future.

Restrictions will depend on how much rain has fallen in the water catchment near where you live, and on dam levels. Restrictions are usually seasonal, meaning you will probably be on a higher restriction stage in summer when there is little rain. Your state or territory may have permanent water saving measures in place throughout the year such as: set times to water your garden; not using tap water to wash driveways or paths; less efficient types of watering systems may be banned; and hand-held hoses may have to be fitted with trigger nozzles.

Water restriction levels are generally set by state and territory governments. In NSW, Sydney Water introduced the Water Wise Rules in June 2009 to replace drought restrictions. The Water Wise Rules are simple, common sense actions. It is your responsibility to make sure you are aware of the current restrictions that are in place and what you need to be doing.

The main Water Wise Rules:

  • Watering, including with sprinklers and irrigation systems, is allowed any day before 10 am and after 4 pm to avoid the heat of the day.
  • All hand held hoses must have a trigger nozzle.
  • No hosing of hard surfaces such as paths and driveways.
  • Washing vehicles is allowed.
  • Fire hoses may be used for fire fighting activities only.

What you can do around your home:

  • Wash your car on the lawn wherever possible. This will not only water and fertilise your lawn but will also avoid stormwater pollution.
  • Avoid any form of outdoor hosing between 10 am and 4 pm to avoid the heat of the day, when evaporation is high.
  • By installing a rainwater tank you can replace tap water with rainwater to water your garden. This will also help reduce your water bills.
  • Use a broom to clean up leaves, grass clippings, dirt, dust or general litter on paths or driveways instead of hosing.

Contact Sydney Water Tanks today on 1800 041 111 to find out about how an underground water tank can help you reuse rainwater and save you money!

For more information about the Water Wise rules visit Sydney Water: http://www.sydneywater.com.au/SW/water-the-environment/what-we-re-doing/water-restrictions/index.htm

For more information about water restrictions visit Living Greener: http://www.livinggreener.gov.au/water/water-in-the-home-and-garden/water-restrictions#washing_your_home_and_surrounds

Sources:

Living Greener: http://www.livinggreener.gov.au/water/water-in-the-home-and-garden/water-restrictions#water_for_a_pool_or_spa

Sydney Water: http://www.sydneywater.com.au/sw/findnow/index.htm?fn_url=http://sydneywater.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/575