Permanent water saving rules came into force in Melbourne from March 1, marking the end of stage 2 restrictions and providing Melbourne with the first permanent water use regulations in the city’s history.
Permanent water saving rules came into force in Melbourne from March 1, marking the end of stage 2 restrictions and providing Melbourne with the first permanent water use regulations in the city’s history.
Minister for Water, Mr John Thwaites, said: "The new rules help secure water supplies for our homes, businesses, sporting grounds and parks.
"The introduction of the new rules means that the next time we’re hit with a drought, Melbourne will be in a better position to cope with it.
"Most Melburnians are already observing these simple common sense rules, and the community no longer accepts wasting water by washing down driveways or watering in the heat of the day.
"We now want everyone to adopt the rules as a life long habit, to secure water supplies over coming decades."
Mr Thwaites congratulated Melburnians on their water saving efforts, saying a saving of more than 19 per cent per person had been achieved in 2004 compared to average use in the 1990s.
The five new permanent water saving rules are:
- Use manual watering systems only between 8pm and 10am
Manual watering systems (turned on or off by hand) can only be used to water gardens and lawns between 8pm-10am, any day of the week. This rule also applies to public gardens and recreational areas.
- Use automatic watering systems only between 10pm and 10am
Automatic watering systems (those set to turn on or off automatically) can only be used to water gardens and lawns between 10pm and 10am any day of the week. A rain or soil moisture sensor must be fitted to all new systems installed from September 1 2005. These rules also apply to public gardens and recreational areas.
- Fit your hose with a trigger nozzle
A hand held hose must be fitted with a trigger nozzle and can be used to wash your car and water your gardens and lawns at any time.
- No hosing paved areas
Hosing down driveways, paths, concrete and other paved areas is not permitted.
- Apply to fill a new pool
Before filling a new pool or spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more, owners must submit a plan and have it approved by their government water retailer. This plan must show how the volume of water required to fill the pool or spa will be, or has been offset, by water saved around the home. This rule only applies to new pools or spas.