Sydney water restrictions: What you need to know
Level 2 restrictions now in force – and how they’ll affect car ownersSydney Water has outlined significant changes to the way Sydneysiders can use water this summer, following the implementation of Level 2 water restrictions today.
From December 10, all residents and businesses in Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Illawarra are required to follow specific indoor and outdoor water usage restrictions.
We’ve compiled a quick guide to help you understand the dos and do nots this summer.
Cars, trucks, vans and bikes
If you want to wash your car, truck, van, motorcycle or caravan at home, you may only use a sponge and bucket – no hose, sprinkler or pressure washers allowed
Commercial car washes (like the drive-thru ones) are still fine to use. For car-lovers and clean-freaks, there are plenty of touchless drive-thru car washes around and you can take your own products with you
Boats
Wake-boarding season may be upon us, but boat people need to be aware of the rules once they’re back on land.
- You’re allowed to hose off your private boat for 10 minutes and with a trigger nozzle only after the boat has been in seawater
- You can flush boat motors with a bucket or a purpose-designed flushing device connected to a hose
- You can fill water tanks on a boat using a hose, as long as you don’t leave it unattended or let it overflow
- You can clean bilges and essential safety components of boat trailers (wheel bearings, brakes etc) using a high-pressure cleaning device of hose fitted with a trigger nozzle
- You’re allowed to wash your trailered vessel and trailer using a bucket and sponge or at a commercial car wash
Hoses at boat ramps must be fitted with trigger nozzles and connected to a 10-minute timer.
Pools, spas, sprinklers, hoses etc
Other restrictions to keep in mind around the house include:
- You can only use a watering can or bucket to water your garden before 10:00am and after 4:00pm
- You can only top up an existing pool or spa (using a hose with a trigger nozzle, watering can or bucket) for a maximum of 15 minutes a day to replace water lost through evaporation (not deliberately removed)
- You need a permit to fill new or renovated pools and spas that hold more than 500L
- Sprinklers, soaker hoses, mist sprayers and tap timers must not be used at any time
- Toys that require the use of a hose like the Aussie favourite slip‘n’slide are not permitted
Certain businesses can apply for water restriction exemptions to wash cars, trucks and vans. These include some car wash and detailing businesses, car yards, fleet maintenance and management and businesses that operate many vehicles.
Fines of $220 for individuals and $550 for businesses apply to those caught not following water restrictions.
For more information on Sydney water restrictions, visit www.sydneywater.com.au.
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