It’s Now OK to get the Sprinkler out Lane Cove – Water Restrictions Eased

On 1st June 2019 Level, 1 water restrictions were put in place.  If a resident failed to comply with the Level 1 water restrictions they faced fines of $220 (individuals) and $550 (businesses).

During that time, Sydney Water regularly patrolled the streets with water restriction patrol officers.

On 1st December 2020, Water Restrictions were eased.

The NSW Government announced that Water Wise Guidelines replaced Level 1 water restrictions and apply to everyone in Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Illawarra. This includes all residents and businesses.

Sydney Water has stated that although the restrictions have eased, residents should stay water-wise!  Yes you can now use your sprinkler again, BUT only at certain times.

Water Wise Guidelines – summary

Under the guidelines, you can use drinking water to:

• water lawns and gardens before 10 am and after 4 pm using a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, sprinklers or standard watering systems
• water new turf and gardens at any time for up to 28 days
• water lawns and gardens with drip irrigation systems or ‘smart water systems’  at any time
• top up pools and spas to replace water lost through evaporation
• fill new or renovated pools and spas
• wash vehicles with a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle or high pressure cleaning equipment
• clean buildings (including windows, walls and gutters) with a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle or high pressure cleaning equipment
• cool people and animals.

You can’t:

• allow water to run off onto hard surfaces
• leave taps and hoses running unattended
• allow pools or spas to overflow when being filled.

So although you can now wash the car, get the sprinkler out and top up your pool, it is still a good idea to be water-wise  and check for water leaks.  This could save you money when your water bill arrives.

What Can You Do At Home To Save Water?

Check for leaking pipes

Check for leaking pipes and repair them as soon as possible. In many homes you can see pipes:

• near the hot water heater
• near the washing machine
• near the dishwasher
• under flooring
• above the ceiling.

Check for leaking taps and toilets

• Fix leaking taps as soon as possible. It’s an easy way to use less water. One leaking tap can waste up to 2,000 litres a month.
• Prevent leaks by not turning taps off too hard and replace washers as soon as taps begin to leak.
• Find toilet leaks quickly by placing a sheet of dry paper at the back of the bowl. If it remains dry between flushes, there are no leaks.

Use water efficient products

• Install water efficient taps or make your current taps water efficient by installing flow regulating aerators.
• Look for a front loading washing machine with at least 4.5 stars when you buy a new washing machine.
• Choose a dishwasher with a 5-star rating for sparkling dishes and a lower water bill.
• Install a 3-star rated showerhead and you’ll save water and energy by using less hot water.

Choose water efficient behaviours

• Keep a bottle of water in the fridge for drinking instead of running the tap until the water is cool.
• Thaw food in the fridge or microwave instead of under running water.
• Wait until you have a full load in your dishwasher or washing machine and use the economy mode. This can save you water and energy.
• Wash fruit and vegies in a half-filled sink instead of running water.
• Rinse your razor in the sink. Rinsing your razor under a running tap wastes lots of water.
• Turn the tap off while you brush your teeth. Simply wet your toothbrush before you begin and use a glass of water to rinse your mouth.

Find out more about saving water in the kitchen & laundry and in the bathroom.

Report Leaks

Sydney Water wants you to report leaks as soon as you seen them.  If you’ve seen water leaking in a public place, such as on a road or footpath, please tell them, so they can investigate the problem.  You can use Snap Send Solve.

If the problem is urgent, or you’re reporting between 11 pm and 6 am, please call 13 20 90

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