Water restrictions and water saving rules

Even when water restrictions aren't in place, Melbourne has had permanent water saving rules in place since 2011. Each Melbournian also has a personal water usage target of no more than 150 litres a day. This helps each of us save a little, so we can all save a lot. 

What are the permanent water saving rules?

The Victorian Government’s water-saving rules encourage a common-sense approach to the everyday use of drinking water.

They do not apply to recycled, reclaimed, rain or grey water, except where it is supplemented by drinking water.

In summary:

• Hand-held hoses must be fitted with a trigger nozzle and free from leaks.
• Hand-held hoses, buckets or watering cans can be used at any time to water household and commercial gardens and lawns, as well as public gardens, lawns and playing spaces.
• Watering systems can only be used between 6pm and 10am
• Watering systems must be fitted with a rain or soil moisture sensor if being used to water public gardens, lawns and playing spaces.
• Water cannot be used to clean hard surfaces, including driveways, paths, concrete, tiles and timber decking.
  There are a few exceptions, in which case a high-pressure water cleaning device or hand-held hose or bucket must be used:
  • after emergencies like accidents, fires, or health and safety hazards
  • where surfaces have been stained – and then only once a season
  • during construction or renovations.
• Water fountains or water features must recirculate the water.

For further details, visit the Victorian Government’s information on permanent water-saving rules.

What is my personal water saving target or Target 150?

Target 150 is a voluntary water-efficiency initiative to get us all thinking about how much water we use.

Target 150 encourages you to limit your water consumption to no more than 150 litres per day.

Melburnians are already great water savers: our average daily water use is currently around 163 litres – but we don't want to get complacent.

Do you know if your water use is on target? It’s worth checking, and it's as easy as looking at your latest water bill.
Your bill will tell you if you’re meeting Target 150 based on the number of people in your household. If it only shows your total household water use, simply divide this by the number of people in your household to calculate the average daily water use per person.

What are the current water restrictions in Melbourne?

Water restrictions are not currently in place for Melbourne.

This can change though, based on the water storage levels and the forecast of water usage so remember to check.

You can check the history of water restrictions in Melbourne below.