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Sydney's new water restrictions: What you can and can't do

Olivia Lambert

Sydney residents and businesses may be slapped with huge fines if they breach impending water restrictions as NSW battles drought, and dam levels continue to fall.

Water Minister Melinda Pavey on Tuesday announced level one restrictions would be imposed across greater Sydney for the first time in almost a decade, starting from Saturday.

The restrictions become compulsory when dam levels fall to 50 per cent but the state government has triggered them early – so what exactly can and can’t you do?

What’s allowed during Sydney’s water restrictions

Lawns and gardens

Sydney Water says the areas most affected will be Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Illawarra.

Under the restrictions, residents and businesses can still water lawns and gardens but only with a watering can or bucket.

If you’re wanting to use a handheld hose, you can only do so before 10am and after 4pm.

According to Sydney Water, the hose must be fitted with a trigger nozzle.

Drip irrigation systems can be used to water lawns or other watering systems with automated weather adjustments, rain sensors or soil moisture sensors. Sprinklers are not allowed.

People expecting new turf will be allowed to water it for just one week after it’s delivered and they must follow instructions from the turf supplier.

Sydney water restrictions - picture shows person washing windscreen of car with sponge. Source: Getty
You can still wash your car if you use a bucket or a hose with a trigger nozzle. Source: Getty/file

What about washing vehicles and buildings?

Yes, you will still be able to do this but there will be some limitations.

Both can we washed with a bucket and again a hose with a trigger nozzle or high pressure cleaning equipment.

Hoses with the specific nozzle can also be used to clean garbage bins.

Those with boats are allowed to flush their boat engines and clean bilges and essential parts of boat trailers, including brakes and wheels.

Again, only a hose with a fitted trigger nozzle or high pressure cleaning equipment can be used for these jobs.

Do you need to fill a pool or spa?

A few more restrictions on people wanting to do this. You’re given the tick of approval if you’re topping up an existing pool or spa that has lost water due to evaporation.

But if you’re wanting to fill up a renovated pool or spa from scratch, you must make sure you have a permit and pool cover from your supplier.

How can you maintain paths and driveways?

According to Sydney Water, the only thing you can do here is spot clean hard surfaces for health or emergency reasons only. The spot clean must be done with a hose with the trigger nozzle or high pressure cleaning equipment.

Picture of hose spilling water ahead of a Sydney's water restrictions. Source: Getty/file
Hoses must not be left running unattended in gardens during the water restrictions. Source: Getty/file

What’s NOT allowed during Sydney’s water restrictions

Lawns and gardens

Gone are the days of leaving a hose, sprinkler or other watering systems unattended.

Cleaning vehicles and buildings

Anybody caught washing their vehicle with a hose that does not have the correct nozzle faces getting whacked with a fine.

Much like the rules when watering your garden, those cleaning vehicles and buildings should not leave hoses running unattended.

Can I still fill my empty pool and spa?

Not likely. Forget about chucking the hose in an empty pool and waiting for it to fill up, unless you do have that permit.

Water in a Sydney swimming pool on a hot summer day. Source: Getty/file
Pools and spas can only be topped up and empty ones can only be filled by people with the right permit. Source: Getty/file

What about paths and driveways?

If you’re used to washing away any mess from a driveway or paved area with a hose, it’s time to reel it in.

Again, people will only be able to spot clean for health, safety or emergency reasons only.

What’s excluded from the Sydney water restrictions?

Those who use recycled water, greywater from sinks, showers and washing machines, rainwater, bore water and river water are in the clear.

Water used for water parks, firefighting, dust suppression and concrete mixing and automatic car washes are exempt from the restrictions.

Fines for breaching Sydney’s water restrictions

Those who decide to ignore the restrictions will be hit with a $220 fine. Businesses however will be expected to pay $550.

To get into the new routine, Sydney Water will put in place a three-month grace period before the fines apply.

This means nobody will be fined until after September 1.

It's been almost 10 years since Sydney faced restrictions with the last lifted in mid-2009.

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