Smart Water Choices
Smart Water Choices are our region’s permanent water conservation measures.
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Current 68.6%
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Last Year 86.2%
What this means for you
Exemptions
Alternate water sources
Your home or business isn't required to comply with Smart Water choices if water is sourced from:
- bore water
- rainwater (that isn't topped up with mains water)
- recycled water
However, we still encourage you to build water saving habits.
New turf and gardens
Your home or business isn't required to comply with Smart Water choices if water is sourced from:
- bore water
- rainwater (that isn't topped up with mains water)
- recycled water
However, we still encourage you to build water saving habits.
Dust suppression
The use of water for dust suppression but only where there is no alternative water source reasonably available at the location.
Where a dust incident involves hazardous dust, such as asbestos, use of water must comply with the applicable incident response guidelines for the suppression of the specific hazardous substance.
Fire fighting
The use of fire hoses for firefighting purposes, hazard reduction purposes or fire service testing.
Filling up pools
The use of water by means of an attended hose fitted with a trigger nozzle for topping up water in pools to replace water lost through normal use conditions including evaporation.
Under Smart Water Choices leaving a hose running unattended is not permitted however we understand that this may be necessary when filling or refilling a large swimming pool or spa.
Cleaning buildings
The washing of building structures, including windows, walls, gutters and roofing using high pressure water cleaning equipment or hose fitted with a trigger nozzle.
Cleaning paths, driveways and hard surfaces
Spot cleaning with a hose of paths, driveways and other hard surfaces when cleaning with water is necessary for purposes relating to a safety, a health, or an emergency incident, or a construction activity, or due to surface discolouration.
For the use of water under this exclusion the hose used must be fitted with a trigger nozzle unless it is used to supply high pressure water cleaning equipment.
Irrigating nurseries and sporting fields
The use of a hand held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, sprinklers or other watering systems is permitted for:
- commercial nurseries
- market gardeners
- commercial growers
- landscapers
- mobile garden contractors
- persons responsible for the maintenance of community gardens
- bowling greens
- cricket grounds
- golf tees and greens
- croquet, hockey, tennis and racing surfaces.
Apply for a Smart Water Choices exemption
Residential and business customers who are unable to comply with the Smart Water Choices are required to apply for an exemption using the following form. Exemption requests will be assessed on an individual basis.