STAGE THREE 'A' WATER RESTRICTIONS

From 1 April 2007 the following restrictions apply:

Stage 3a Water Restrictions Fact Sheet

Lawns

Lawns cannot be watered at any time by residents, businesses and local councils.

Residential Gardens

• Even numbered properties can water in Saturday and Tuesday.
• Odd numbered properties can water on Sunday and Wednesday.
• Watering is not permitted on Monday, Thursday and Friday.
• Where there is no number the property is considered an even numbered address.

Watering times on the permitted days are as follows:

• A manual dripper system, watering cans and buckets can be used from 6:00am to 8:00am
• Hand-held hoses fitted with a trigger nozzle can be used from 6:00am to 8:00am to water gardens.
• An automatic dripper system can be used from midnight to 2:00am.
• Hand-held hoses fitted with a trigger nozzle can be used from 6:00am to 8:00am to water gardens.
• Households with at least one resident aged 70 years or over may water their gardens manually on specified watering days between 6am - 8am or 8am - 10am

Vehicle Washing

• Hand-held hoses and high-pressure water cleaners cannot be used any time for vehicle washing.
• A bucket filled from a tap can be used to clean windows, mirrors and lights; and spot-remove corrosive substances.
• An effective commercial car wash that uses less than 70 liters of water can be used.

Pools and Spas

• New pools and spas of any capacity cannot be filled with drinking water. However, a new or existing pool may be filled with an alternative water source such as groundwater.
• Before filling an existing pool or spa of 2000 liters capacity or more, owners must submit a water conservation plan and have it approved by their local water business.
• This plan must show that the volume of water required to fill the pool or spa will be, or has been, offset by water saved around the home.
• To fill an existing pool or spa with a capacity of 2000 liters or less, a watering can or a bucket must be used.
• To top up an existing pool or spa of any capacity, a watering can or a bucket must be used.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Paved Areas

Hosing of driveways, paths, concrete and paved areas is not permitted. Paved areas can only be cleaned under specific circumstances:

• If there is an accident, fire, health hazard, safety hazard, or other emergency. (A hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nossle must be used.)
• The paved area is under construction/renovation. (A high-pressure cleaning water device must be used.)

Water Fountains

Only water fountains that recirculate water can be operated. A fountain must not be filled or topped up.

Sports Grounds

Generally, 1 in 4 sports grounds as nominated by council can be watered.

Business and Commercial Customers

These are permanent water saving rules that came into affect after 1 April 2007.

Greywater, rainwater and recycled water

Greywater and recycled water can be used at any time provided it is not supplemented by mains water. For guidelines on safe use visit, www.epa.vic.gov.au.

PENALTIES AND ENFORCEMENT

Stage Three A water restrictions must be followed and water patrols are out in force across Melbourne. If you are issued with a warning notice and still breach the restrictions, you may have your water supply restricted and face prosecution.

To report a breach call 13 WATER (139 2837).

For a full set of Stage Three A water restrictions please visit www.ourwater.vic.gov.au, or contact your local water business, South East Water, www.southeastwater.com.au.