Permanent Water Saving Plan
Frequently asked questions for business customers
What is a "high pressure water cleaning device"?
A high pressure water cleaner is an electric- or petrol-powered device that connects to a hose and forces water out at high pressure for more effective cleaning.
The rate of delivery must be 9 litres per minute or less.
Popular brands include Gerni and Kärcher.
I have a fountain / water feature. Can I use it now?
Yes, if it re-circulates water (almost all of them do).
You can top it up if it gets low.
I run a car dealership. How can I keep the cars clean?
Very few restrictions apply to washing cars. You can wash your vehicles with:
- a high pressure water cleaner
- a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle
- a bucket or watering can.
You can also take your cars to a commercial carwash.
I work on a construction site. Can I hose down the paths / paving / scaffolding, etc.?
Yes, if you use a high-pressure water cleaner. You can also use a hose, fitted with a trigger nozzle, if cleaning is required for health or safety reasons, to prevent staining, or in an emergency.
You may not use a hose for general cleaning, such as removing leaves.
Your hoses must be fitted with trigger nozzles, and not leak.
I own a plant nursery. When can I water my plants?
Yes. Unlike private and business-owned gardens and lawns, no restrictions apply to watering plants or vegetables at wholesale, retail or municipal plant nurseries.
I look after a bowling green / cricket pitch / football oval / golf course. When can I water?
Sports grounds, and public gardens and lawns are subject to much the same restrictions as residential gardens and lawns.
You can use a watering system 6 pm — 10 am on any day. Note: it must be fitted with a rain or soil moisture sensor.
You can also use a hand-held hose (fitted with a trigger nozzle), watering can or bucket at any time on any day.
I work 9 to 5. I can't use the sprinkler after 6 pm. What can I do?
Your best option is to invest in a watering system that you can set to water overnight. These systems do not need to be expensive or complex (eg: a tap timer).
You can also water in the morning before 10 am.
Can I use a hose to wash my windows?
Yes. There are no restrictions that apply to washing windows.
I have rainwater tanks. What restrictions apply?
The Permanent Water Saving Plan applies only to drinking water. There are no restrictions on water from rainwater tanks.
So, are we still under water restrictions? When will they end?
Yes and no. The Permanent Water Saving Plan is a set of commonsense rules to save water. The rules do restrict water use, so can be thought of as a form of restrictions. The Plan is also enforceable under law.
However, unlike staged (numbered) water restrictions, the Permanent Water Saving Plan is in place permanently: every day of the year.
What if I break the rules? Are there fines?
We have authorised water officers that follow up on suspected breaches.
If you breach the rules, we may give you an official warning, an on-the-spot-fine or may seek to prosecute you (depending on the severity of the breach).
The Permanent Water Saving Plan is enforced under the Water Act. .
Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel: penalty and fee units
What if I see someone else doing the wrong thing?
If you witness a breach of the Permanent Water Savings Plan, you can contact us with the details. An authorised water officer will investigate and follow up.