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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 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 are consistent across all of Victoria.

Summary of Permanent Water Saving Rules
garden hose iconHand 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.
flower iconResidential or Commercial gardens and lawns – A residential or commercial garden or lawn 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.
footy goals iconPublic 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.
fountain iconFountains and water features – Water cannot be used in a fountain or water feature unless the fountain or water feature recirculates the water.
pavers iconCleaning 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 Application (53.51 KB) 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.

Model Water Restriction By-Law 106

Read more about the Model Water Restriction By-Law here – Model Water Restriction By-law 106