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Permanent Water Saving Rules

Permanent Water Saving Rules

Compulsory rules that ensure the efficient use of water.

Permanent Water Saving Rules apply to all towns in our service region. They don't apply if you are using spring or bore water, recycled water, grey water or rainwater collected in a tank that is not supplemented by North East Water.

The rules include three simple actions:

  • use a trigger nozzle on your hose
  • only use watering systems between 6pm and 10am
  • and don’t hose concrete paths or driveways.

For more detailed information on the rules, see below.

Gardens and lawns (residential & commercial)

  • A watering can, bucket or hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle can be used at any time.
  • Watering systems, including sprinklers, can be used between 6:00pm and 10:00am.

Vehicles

A bucket, a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle or a high pressure cleaning device can be used at any time.

Fountains

Fountains and water features can be used, provided they recirculate water.

Hard surfaces

A high pressure cleaning device, a bucket or a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle may only be used:

  • in response to an accident, fire, health hazard or other emergency
  • to clean staining on a surface once per season (i.e. summer, autumn, winter and spring)
  • in the course of construction or renovations.

Public gardens and lawns

  • A watering can, bucket or hand held-hose fitted with a trigger nozzle can be used at any time.
  • Watering systems, including sprinklers, can be used between 6:00pm and 10:00am. They must be fitted with a rain or soil moisture sensor.

Swimming pools and spas

Swimming pools and spas may be topped up or filled at any time.

Exemptions

We are able to grant exemptions to Permanent Water Saving Rules in special circumstances. Click here to apply for an exemption.

For more detailed information about Permanent Water Saving Rules, view these documents.

Visit our Water Wise website Permanent Water Saving Rules Fact Sheet Permanent Water Saving Plan