The new Water Wise Rules are:
All hand held hoses must now have a trigger nozzle.
- Watering with hand held hoses (with a trigger nozzle), irrigation systems and sprinklers is allowed before 10 am and after 4 pm on any day – to avoid the heat of the day.
- No hosing of hard surfaces such as paths and driveways. Washing vehicles is allowed.
- Fire hoses may be used for fire fighting activities only.
A fine of $220 applies for all breaches of water saving rules by individuals. Businesses face a fine of $550 for each breach. Fines for water theft are $2,200. Authorised Sydney Water staff carry out random checks to ensure compliance with the Water Wise Rules.
The following are still permitted at any time:
- Using a bucket or watering can to wash and rinse vehicles or water lawns and gardens.
- Topping up any existing swimming pool.
- Filling a pool less than 10,000L capacity.
- Using water from a rainwater tank, as long as it is not connected to or topped up from Sydney Water mains.
- Using a hose with a trigger nozzle or high pressure cleaning device to clean boat bilges and boat trailer brakes and wheels.
- Using a hose to flush boat engines.
- Cleaning garbage bins using a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle or with an on/off switch. This should be done within an official bin wash area or on grass.
For further information, visit the Sydney Water website.
Council encourages the community to use their common sense when applying the Water Wise Rules. For example;
- 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.
- Use a broom to clean up leaves, grass clippings, dirt, dust or general litter on paths or driveways instead of hosing.
