Industry and Small Businesses
Industry and small business questions and answers are available below.
For more specific information visit : Storage trigger levels, Gardening rules, Dripper systems, Watering days for gardens, Vehicle washing, Sports grounds/clubs, Pools and spas, Penalties and exemptions, other stage 3A questions, stage 4 restrictions, further information or the general questions and answers.
What is industry doing to save water?
Water restrictions have always applied equally to industry, however additional measures have been introduced by the State Government and the water industry. These measures are designed to minimise impact on the economy while still making significant water savings.
Businesses using 10 megalitres of water or more per year must complete a water management action plan (waterMAP program). There are more than 1,845 business customers in Victoria that fit into this group.
The top 200 non-residential water consumers in Melbourne have already developed water management plans under the Victorian Government's Pathways to Sustainability program. Over 6 billion litres of water have been saved since 2001 through this program, representing a 13% efficiency gain. Water utilities will continue to work with the biggest industrial commercial and institutional water users.
What types of areas will the WaterMAPs program target?
Measures will target:
- outdoor usage consistent with residential measures
- efficiency in cooling towers
- water efficient production processes (water management plans)
- use of recycled water in manufacturing processes (where possible and fit for purpose)
- indoor domestic usage – taps, toilets and showers (step beyond domestic requirements)
Are waterMAPS mandatory?
Yes. Eligible business customers are required to:
- Register their intention to prepare a waterMAP
- Develop a waterMAP
- Submit their waterMAP to their local water retailer
- Report annually to the water corporation on their implementation of the waterMAP.
What if industrial customers don’t prepare a waterMAP?
Penalties can apply to business and other non-residential sites that do not comply with these requirements in accordance with the set timeframes.
Industry should be doing more to save water as they use more water than domestic customers.
In Melbourne the non-residential sector including industrial and commercial customers make up about 30 per cent of Melbourne's demand for water in comparison to the residential sector that accounts for 60 per cent of the demand for water.
Do the restrictions also affect commercial and industrial customers?
Yes – Stage 3a water restrictions affect how commercial and industrial customers use water.
I am a small business - how do restrictions affect me?
You are subject to the same restrictions as listed for residential customers.
Water used in production processes, that is for internal use or as part of product manufacture remains unrestricted at this stage. In some cases, if you are in an industry sector that is affected by domestic watering prohibitions you may have some restrictions on use. Industries affected include: Commercial Car Washes, Nurseries, and Pool Construction.