Permanent Water Saving Rules
Permanent Water Saving Rules (PWSRs) are a series of common sense rules that all customers supplied water by Westernport Water are obliged to follow day to day to ensure water is not wasted. These rules are set out in legislative instruments known as Permanent Water Saving Plans and are in place on a permanent and ongoing basis, even when water restrictions are not required.
PWSRs aim to promote efficient and sensible use of water without significantly restricting customer choice and flexibility. They reflect the value that Victorians place on water, and the community view that water is a precious resource that should not be wasted.
The new Permanent Water Saving Rules consists of five simple and easy-to remember rules, which will ensure the efficient use of water and avoid water wastage on a permanent, ongoing basis. These rules will be consistent across all of Victoria and will be implemented from December 16 2011.
PWSRs aim to promote efficient and sensible use of water without significantly restricting customer choice and flexibility. They reflect the value that Victorians place on water, and the community view that water is a precious resource that should not be wasted.
The new Permanent Water Saving Rules consists of five simple and easy-to remember rules, which will ensure the efficient use of water and avoid water wastage on a permanent, ongoing basis. These rules will be consistent across all of Victoria and will be implemented from December 16 2011.
Summary of Permanent Water Saving Rules
Hand held hoses - A hand held hose MUST be fitted with a trigger nozzle and be leak free. It can be used to wash your car and water your gardens and lawns at any time.
Residential or Commercial gardens and lawns – A residential or commercial garden or lawn are can be watered with a hand held hose at any time, or by means of a watering system between the hours of 6pm and 10am on any day.
Public gardens, lawns and playing surfaces – A public garden or lawn area or a playing surface can be watered with a hand held hose at any time, or by means of a watering system (fitted with a rain/soil moisture sensor) between the hours of 6pm and 10am on any day. Public gardens, lawns and playing surfaces can also be watered in accordance with an approved Water Use Plan.
Fountains and water features – Water cannot be used in a fountain or water feature unless the fountain or water feature recirculates the water.
Cleaning hard surfaces – Water cannot be used to clean hard surfaces (including driveways, paths, concrete, tiles, timber decking) except where cleaning is required as a result of a hazard or accident, or in the course of construction/renovation. Hard surfaces can be washed if staining to the surface has developed, but only once per season
Pools and spas – Before filling new pools or spas with a capacity of 2000 litres or more, customers must fill out a ‘Water Conservation Plan' and have it approved by Westernport Water. The plan must show that the amount of water used to fill the spa has been offset by water saved around the home. New pools or spas that hold less than 2000 litres of water can be filled without a water conservation plan, and previously filled pools or spas of any size may be topped up by any means at any time.
These measures do not apply to the use of recycled water, greywater or rainwater collected in a tank, provided it is not supplemented by water supplied by Westernport Water.
Model Water Restriction By-law
In accordance with section 287ZC of the Water Act, Westernport Water hereby gives notice that it has made a by-law, titled Water Restriction By-law 105 pursuant to sections 171 and 160 of the Water Act 1989.
Water Restriction By-law 105 is made using a Model Water Restriction By-law issued by the Minister for Water on 27 November 2011. The Water Restriction By-law 105 is made in relation to restrictions and prohibitions on the use of water that may be imposed in the Water Supply Districts of Westernport Water.
The purpose of the by-law is to:
- promote the efficient use and conservation of water; and
- set out four stages of restrictions on the use of water; and
- specify things which must not be done while each stage of restriction persists; and
- specify principles for considering applications for exemptions from particular restrictions; and
- prescribe offences and penalties for the contravention of the By-law, including for which an infringement notice may be served; and
- prescribe classes of persons for the purpose of issuing infringement notices.
Click here to download a copy of Watar Restriction By-law 105 (1.54 MB)