Permanent Water Saving Rules community consultation

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Westernport Water is proposing to make variations to the Permanent Water Saving Plans under section 170B of the Water Act 1989 in line with the recommendation of a state-wide review of the current Permanent Water Saving Rules in place across Victoria.

Westernport Water is proposing to make variations to the Permanent Water Saving Plans under section 170B of the Water Act 1989 in line with the recommendation of a state-wide review of the current Permanent Water Saving Rules in place across Victoria.

Permanent Water Saving Rules (PWSRs) – which 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 proposed variations to Permanent Water Saving Plans will vary the five simple and easy-to remember permanent water saving 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.

Summary of proposed new permanent water saving rules


•A hand held hose must be fitted with a trigger nozzle and can be used to wash your car and water your gardens and lawns at any time. (currently enforced in Westernport Water region)

•Watering systems can only be used to water residential and commercial gardens and lawns between 6 pm – 10 am, any day of the week. (current time 7pm – 10am)

•Watering systems can only be used to water public gardens, lawns and playing surfaces between 6 pm – 10 am any day of the week, and only if fitted with a rain or soil moisture sensor. Public gardens, lawns and playing surfaces can also be watered in accordance with an approved Water Use Plan. (Current time 10pm – 10am)

•Water cannot be used in a fountain or a water feature unless it re-circulates the water. (new)

•Hosing down driveways, paths, concrete, timber decking and other paved areas is not permitted except in limited circumstances. (currently enforced in Westernport Water region)

Submissions are invited on the proposed variations to the Permanent Water Saving Plans.

All submissions must be in writing; please complete the Feedback form below and send to Geoff Russell at Westernport Water, 2 Boys Home Road. Newhaven Vic 3925, or by email at grussell@westernportwater.com.au

Submissions are due by 4pm Thursday 17th November 2011

Press release (57 KB)
Summary of proposed changes (126 KB)
Consultation draft paper (229 KB)
Feedback form (36 KB)