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Water is one of our most precious resources, essential for life. However our water storages can drop rapidly, so we all need to make sure it isn’t being wasted. Across Victoria, households and businesses are taking practical steps to conserve our water supplies, like collecting rainwater and installing water-efficient appliances to protect our water supplies for the future.
To support these efforts, permanent water saving rules are in place across the state every day of the year. These simple, common-sense rules aim to ensure that we all use drinking water wisely to reduce waste and ensure we’re doing our part to safeguard it for generations to come.
While most people do the right thing, it’s important to know that breaking the rules can lead to penalties.
These rules focus on outdoor water use and apply only to drinking water — not greywater, rainwater, bore water, or recycled water.
Below is a summary of the rules.
Key water saving rules
These rules let you know how you can use 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 waste.
Garden watering
Home and commercial gardens can only be watered between 6 pm and 10 am, 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, see our commonly asked questions for more information.
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 6 pm and 10 am 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, however, be watered anytime using a hand-held hose, watering can or bucket.
Fountains and water features
All fountains and other water features must recirculate water.
Note that there are many more water saving steps we can each take to go above and beyond these basic rules. Find more water saving ideas on the make every drop count website.
For detailed guidance specific to your area, please refer to your local water corporation’s permanent water savings plan.
Commonly asked questions
Are the permanent water saving rules a form of water restrictions, and 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.
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:
- cleaning is required as a result of an accident, fire, health hazard, safety hazard or other emergency
- if staining to the surface has developed and then only once a season
- 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
- 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:
- human health requirements
- stock and animal health requirements
- fire fighting; or
- 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 rule or a stage of water restrictions.
Some exemptions also require a water use plan
Who can apply for an exemption?
Applications for exemptions can be made by residential customers or on behalf of a business, company, industry, or commercial/industrial organisation.
Applications can also be made on behalf of a council, public or private school, a sports ground, a public garden, or a tennis club
How are applications made?
Applications must be made via the relevant water corporation’s website, using an application form. The water corporation will then consider the application within a reasonable period. They will either grant the application for approval (subject to any conditions the relevant water corporation considers appropriate) or refuse the application for approval.
Review of Victoria's permanent water saving rules
Victoria's permanent saving rules were reviewed in December 2025. A copy of the review is available below.
Page last updated: 23/12/25