Penalties and Exemptions
Penalties and exemptions 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, Industry and small businesses, other stage 3A questions, stage 4 restrictions, further information or the general questions and answers.
Will there be penalties?
Yes – penalties apply for non-compliance with water restrictions.
Our first priority is to educate the community however we can issue a Penalty Infringement Notice (fine) or restrict supply for repeat breaches. Recent changes in legislation also allow us to issue a fine for serious breaches without providing advance notification.
We have found that in many cases residents and businesses that are issued with a breach notice are inadvertently doing the wrong thing and generally ensure they are compliant in the future.
What is the process?
If a water retailer receives a complaint regarding water use that violates restrictions, we may send an educational letter advising the customer of the current stage of water restrictions and what is and what is not allowed. On other occasions we may visit the customer or site to investigate.
If authorised water officers identify customers breaking stage 3a water restrictions, they may issue a formal warning or a penalty infringement notice in the mail or in person.
The fine for non-compliance with Stage 3a water restrictions is $454.00. Alternatively customers observed breaking restrictions can have their water supply restricted or face prosecution.
Before a formal warning or fine is issued, authorised water officers will be checking to see if the customer has an exemption or is using rain or grey water (which can be used at any time during Stage 3a restrictions). We still encourage people who notice people doing the wrong thing to call the water restriction hotline of their local water retailer (13WATER, 13 92837).
It is dark at 6 am and I feel unsafe. Can I get an exemption?
Yes. In special circumstances such as if you are elderly, have a medical condition or a disability.
Note: Households with at least one resident aged 70 years or over may water their plants manually on specified watering days between 6 am - 8 am or 8 am - 10 am.
I am a shift worker and I work between the permitted working hours - can I apply for an exemption.
Yes, however given we will likely be in stage 3a for a while; we prefer / recommend you install an automatic dripper system.
Does the exemption I received under previous levels of water restrictions still apply?
If you have been provided with an exemption under Permanent Water Saving Rules or previous levels of water restrictions for medical reasons your exemption may carry over to Stage 3a water restrictions.
All exemptions currently issued will be reviewed by your water retailer and you will be advised in writing as to whether your exemption can continue.
Exemption request from water restrictions (PDF 111kb)
What is the difference between an ‘Exemption’ and an ‘Exempt Playing Surface’?
An exemption is provided for customers who:
- Can demonstrate that less water would be used by their proposal
- Have special needs (often medical reasons)
- Would reduce /minimise physical damage to an asset
- Can demonstrate adverse effects on public health or safety
- Would not, in combination with other comparable applications, have a significant impact on daily water demand
- Are likely to be supported by other customers of the water retailer
An exempt playing surface is a defined area of playing surface for certain sports, which has designated watering requirements. Areas include:
- Cricket pitches
- Running tracks
- Certain tennis courts
- Hockey pitches, bowling and croquet greens
- Golf greens and tees
- Soft fall areas of children’s play equipment
- Some areas of baseball and softball pitches
How do I get more information on water restrictions or report a breach?
13WATER (13 92837) is a phone number that customers can call if they would like information on water restrictions, report a breach on water restrictions or report a water or sewage emergency or fault. The call is then diverted to the appropriate water retailer.
Do you have people to enforce water restrictions?
Water patrols have been introduced to ensure that water utilities have a stronger presence in the community throughout the duration of water restrictions. There are over 140 officers and 90 cars patrolling the streets 24 hours a day.
Water Patrols are employees of City West Water, South East Water and Yarra Valley Water and are also burst and leaks maintenance employees and meter readers.
Water Patrols look out for customers who are not complying with water restrictions, visit houses where people are asking for advice and provide assistance on restrictions as well as follow-up suspected breaches.