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 simple common-sense approach to the everyday use of drinking water. 

These rules apply only to drinking water. They do not apply to greywater, rainwater, bore water, or recycled water.

Hoses

Hoses must be leak free with a trigger nozzle for all uses, including washing cars and gardens.  Trigger nozzles ensure less water is wasted.

Garden watering

Home and commercial gardens can only be watered between 6pm and 10am, if using watering systems. This avoids the hottest part of the day when water wastage occurs due to evaporation.

You can water gardens at any time using a hand-held hose, watering can or bucket.

Hard surfaces

Water must not be used to clean hard surfaces such as concrete, paths and driveways. Exemptions apply when cleaning is needed to address a hazard, surface staining or during construction in situations when water can be used to clean hard surfaces.

In these situations, a high pressure water cleaning device must be used if one is available.  Otherwise, a hand-held hose or a bucket can be used.

Swapping to a broom will save a lot of water from being washed down the drain.

Green spaces

Public Green Spaces can only be watered:

• using watering systems between 6pm and 10am and only if these systems are fitted with rain or soil moisture sensors. This avoids the hottest part of the day when water wastage occurs due to evaporation and ensures that we don’t water when it’s not needed.

OR

• in accordance with an approved Water Use Plan.

They can be watered anytime using a hand-held hose, watering can or bucket.

Water features

All fountains and other water features must recirculate water.

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

Frequently asked questions

Are the Permanent Water Saving Rules a form of water restrictions? When will they end?

As the rules do restrict water use, they can be considered a basic form of restrictions, and – like restrictions – are enforceable under law. However, unlike staged (numbered) water restrictions, the water saving rules are permanent and don’t have an end date.

The permanent water saving rules are in place to help conserve our water supply into the future.

What is a high-pressure water cleaning device?

A high-pressure water cleaner is an electric or petrol-powered device that connects to a hose, forcing water out at high pressure for more effective cleaning.

The rate of delivery must be 9 litres per minute or less.

What is a watering system?

A watering system is any automatic or manually operated system of sprinklers, drip hoses, weep hoses, etc. Even a simple garden sprinkler connected to a tap is considered a watering system.

The most efficient and effective watering system is a sub-surface drip hose, connected to a timer to water overnight. This ensures plants get water near their roots, and minimises water loss to evaporation.

Why can I only water at night or early in the morning?

It’s more efficient and effective to water your garden when the sun goes down. Lower evaporation means water is more likely to get to plant roots.

When can water be used to clean hard surfaces?

Water can only be used to clean hard surfaces (including, driveways, paths, concrete, tiles, timber decking) when:

• where cleaning is required as a result of an accident, fire, health hazard, safety hazard or other emergency; or
• if staining to the surface has developed and then only once a season; or
• in the course of construction or renovation,

and then only by means of

• a high pressure water cleaning device;
• or if such a device is not available, a hand-held hose or a bucket.

 

Do the rules apply to bore, grey, rainwater or recycled water?

No, the Permanent Water Saving Rules apply only to drinking water supplied through our reticulation network.

Do Permanent Water Savings Rules apply during a fire emergency?

No.

Can I still wash my windows?

Yes. There are no restrictions on washing windows.

How should I wash my car?

Cars, boats and other vehicles can be washed at home at any time or any day, using

• a high-pressure water cleaner; or
• a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle; or
• a bucket or watering can.

The same rules apply to car dealerships.

Can I fill or top-up my pool or spa?

Yes. There are no restrictions on filling or topping up pools, spas or ponds under the Permanent Water Saving Rules.

What are the penalties for breaching the rules?

Breaching the Permanent Water Saving Rules can result in fines.

For a first offence you can be fined over 10 penalty units and for a subsequent offence over 20 penalty units.

How do I report a breach of the rules?

Permanent water saving rules are enforced under the Water Act (1989).

If you witness a breach of the rules, please contact your water corporation with details of the offence. An authorised water officer will investigate and report. Official warnings and on-the-spot fines can be issued for offences, and in severe cases, prosecution may be sought.

Are there exemptions to Permanent Water Saving Rules?

Yes, water can be used at any time for: 

(a) human health requirements;

(b) stock and animal health requirements;

(c) fire fighting; or

(d) the safety of, but not the cleaning of, vehicles or equipment.

In other special circumstances you can request an exemption from some permanent water saving rules or a stage of water restrictions .

Some exemptions also require a Water Use Plan. Water Use Plans help to manage the use of water for specific purposes or for a specific stage of restrictions. They assist in maximising water-savings during water restrictions.

Who can apply for an exemption?

Applications for exemptions can be made from residential customers, on behalf of a business, company, industry or commercial or industrial organisation; or on behalf of a council, public or private school, a sportsground, a public garden or a tennis club.

How are applications made?

Applications must be made via the relevant water corporation’s website, though an application form. The water corporation will then consider the application within a reasonable period, and will either grant the application for approval (subject to any conditions the relevant water corporation considers appropriate) or refuse the application for approval.

What is a Water Use Plan?

A Water Use Plan <insert link> outlines the measures that are already being used or that are planned on being used to assist in saving water. It controls the use of water for specific purposes or for a specific stage of restrictions. It helps to maximise water-savings during restrictions.

A Water Use Plan must be approved by the relevant water corporation prior to consideration of an exemption to some of the 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.