Stage 3 water restrictions

Hand watering

You can water residential or commercial gardens on alternate days between 6 a.m. – 8 a.m. using a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle.

Residential or commercial lawns cannot be watered at any time.

Watering systems

You can only water gardens using a dripper watering system on alternate days between 6 a.m. – 8 a.m.

Alternate days mean people may use their watering systems on an odds and evens, date-based approach:

• Even and no-numbered properties may water on even dates for example the 2nd, 4th, 6th and so on;
• Odd-numbered properties may water on odd dates, for example 1st, 3rd, 5th, and so on;
• All properties may water on the 31st of any month or the 29th of February.

Hand watering

You can water public gardens and playing surfaces on alternate days between 6 a.m. – 8 a.m. using a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle.

Public lawn areas cannot be watered at any time.

Watering systems

Public gardens and playing surfaces can also use a dripper watering system only on alternate days between 6 a.m. – 8 a.m., or water in accordance with an approved Water Use Plan.

Fountains and water features

Water cannot be used to fill or top up a fountain or water feature at any time.

You cannot hose down hard surfaces including driveways, paths, concrete, tiles, timber decking and other paved areas, except where cleaning is required as a result of an accident, fire, health hazard, safety hazard or other emergency.

You can use a high-pressure cleaning unit, or if such a unit is not available, a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or a bucket in the course of construction or renovation.

You can wash the windows, mirrors, lights, registration plates and for spot removing corrosive substances off your car, boat or other vehicle at home using a bucket or watering can; or, at a commercial car wash, and only where cleaning is required for health and safety reasons, safety hazard or other emergency.

Councils and schools can water sports grounds and gardens in accordance with the times under Stage Three restrictions, or submit a Water Use Plan to efficiently water outside of the prescribed hours.

Filling

A new or existing residential or commercial pool or spa of any capacity cannot be filled. However, new or existing public pools or spas of any capacity can be filled in accordance with a Water Use Plan.

Topping up

Existing residential or commercial pools or spas, and new or existing public pools or spas of any size can only be topped up:

• on alternate days between 6 am and 8 am using a hand-held hose, bucket or watering can; or,
• by using an automatic water top-up device at any time; or
• in accordance with an approved Water Use Plan.

A mobile spa can cannot be filled or topped up at any time.

Water toys

A water toy connected to a hose cannot be used at any time.