Water Restrictions
Why are urban water restrictions applied?
Water availability is variable. In order to manage water use during times of shortage or to manage possible future water scarcity, water corporations have the power to impose rules on how and/or when people are allowed to use water (section 171). In an urban system these rules are called water restrictions.
How are urban water restrictions applied?
In urban areas water is supplied to urban users by a water corporation. All water corporations have developed Drought Response Plans. These plans set out triggers which mark the imposition of restrictions. Triggers are usually based on one of two mechanisms:
- storage levels – restrictions are triggered when the water drops below a given level in the storage; or
- streamflow – restrictions are triggered when streamflow drops below a given level.
In an urban context restrictions are effectively rules about water use. Examples may include rules about watering gardens, car washing etc.
Who do they apply to?
Urban water restrictions may apply to any water user in an urban system.
Why are restrictions applied?
Water availability is variable. In order to manage water use during times of shortage water authorities may need to impose temporary rules on how or when people are allowed to use water in an area or water system (section 33AAA).