Information for businesses
We recognise that water is crucial to economic activity and community life and we are providing support to our business customers.
Under Smart Water Choices, the permanent water conservation measures for businesses are the same as those that apply to homes, however for our business customers there are additional expectations.
Major water users (i.e. those who use over 10 million litres (ML) as classified in the table below) will continue to develop a Water Efficiency Management Plan (WEMP) and implement any agreed actions within an existing WEMP. This will identify water savings within those businesses and identify where water is crucial to their operations.
If you are a business who uses less than 10 million litres (ML) of water a year (see the table below), you are required to comply with the general Smart Water Choices that apply to residential use.
The table below shows the responsibilities for the different level of water users.
Business customers | Smart Water Choices Requirement | What do I need to do? |
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Major customers who use more than 50 million litres (ML) per year. For example: manufacturing and mining | Continue to implement WEMP | Implement any agreed actions within the WEMP |
Large customers who use more than 10 million litres (ML) per year. For example: aged care facilities, shopping centres, food production | Continue to develop and implement WEMP | Continue to develop and implement agreed actions within your WEMP |
Business customers who use less than 10 million litres (ML) per year. For example: nurseries, landscapers, market gardeners, commercial growers, offices, cafes | We encourage you to identify water saving measures within your business | Identify how you can save water in your business using our fact sheets below |
Exemptions for business
While the majority of customers should be able to accommodate Smart Water Choices, we recognise that some businesses rely on outdoor water use for continuity of operations.
Water use for critical business activities may be exempt.
Saving water in business fact sheets
Businesses who reduce water usage find they do not only save money on usage charges, but also on wastewater and energy costs.
The following fact sheets will give you valuable water-saving tips across your business.
Amenities
Cleaning
Landscaping
Steam
Monitoring water use
Cooling towers
Frequently asked questions
About Smart Water Choices
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When will they apply?
Smart Water Choices were introduced on 1 October 2020.
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Who is responsible for introducing Smart Water Choices?
In 2014 the Metropolitan Water Directorate developed a Lower Hunter Water Plan (LHWP) in consultation with Hunter Water, NSW Government agencies and the community. The Plan included a set of permanent water conservation measures known as Water Wise Rules. The 2014 LHWP found that these measures had strong community support. Smart Water Choices are the same type of permanent water conservation measures as Water Wise Rules.
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Do Smart Water Choices apply in high fire risk areas or during a fire emergency?
No.
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What is Hunter Water's plan for the ongoing supply of water in the region?
Learn more about our Lower Hunter Water Security Plan.
Exemptions
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How long will it take for Hunter Water to review/approve my exemption?
You will receive a response from us within 10-15 working days.
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Are there any Smart Water Choices exemptions for businesses?
Outdoor water use that is essential for business operations may be exempt for some businesses. These exemptions will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
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If I am unable to use a trigger nozzle, can I use a twist nozzle?
A trigger nozzle is preferred. You must apply for an exemption to use a twist nozzle and is acceptable only in cases where evidence of a physical limitation can be provided.
Bore water
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If I use bore water or water extracted from rivers, do Smart Water Choices apply?
Water allocations for these sources are managed separately by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment - Water. While you don't need a licence to extract groundwater if you are using it for stock or domestic purposes, you do need approval from WaterNSW.
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Can I report someone using bore water improperly?
You can report suspicious activity at the Natural Resources Access Regulator.
Inside your business
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Is water inside my business restricted?
Smart Water Choices primarily apply to outdoor water usage. However, we encourage businesses to continue their water saving, whether it’s by fixing leaks or waiting for a full load before using the dishwasher. We can all continue to play our part and conserve our most precious resource.
Gardens and outdoors
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Can sprinklers be used under Smart Water Choices?
You can use a sprinkler before 10am or after 4pm or at anytime if it's connected to:
- bore water or water extracted from rivers - subject to water sharing plan requirements. Learn more by visiting the Department of Planning Industry and Investment - Water.
- a watering system that uses grey-water (the rinse water from your washing machine/shower/bath)
- recycled water from a designated recycled water system
- a rainwater tank which is not topped up from the drinking water supply
Commercial nurseries, market gardeners, commercial growers, landscapers, mobile garden contractors and persons responsible for the maintenance of community gardens, bowling greens, cricket wickets, golf tees and greens, croquet, hockey, tennis and racing surfaces are also provided with an automatic exemption for watering at any time with a sprinkler, irrigation system or a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle.
Sprinklers can be used at any time for firefighting and/or related activities (professional firefighting, defending your home during a bush fire, back burning or fire prevention, etc).
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What is the definition of a sprinkler?
A sprinkler is a device used to spray water. It includes micro-spray and misting systems.
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Are weeper hoses allowed?
Weeper hoses can be used before 10am or after 4pm.
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Can I apply for an exemption so I can use a sprinkler in the middle of the day?
An automatic exemption is provided for the establishment of a new lawn - in this case, you can water the new turf at any time for a period of up to two weeks. Please keep a copy of your delivery docket to prove the date of installation. Commercial nurseries, market gardeners, commercial growers, landscapers, mobile garden contractors and persons responsible for the maintenance of community gardens, bowling greens, cricket wickets, golf tees and greens, croquet, hockey, tennis and racing surfaces are also provided with an automatic exemption for watering at any time with a sprinkler, irrigation system or a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle.
We may grant other exemptions for sprinkler usage between 10 am and 4 pm if you can demonstrate it is for business-critical or health/safety reasons.
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Can I use a high pressure cleaning device?
Unless it is for health and safety reasons, paths, driveways, outdoor decks, concrete or pavement cannot be cleaned with high-pressure cleaning equipment.
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Can I spot clean external hard surfaces such as paths and driveways?
Spot cleaning of external hard surfaces (paths, driveways, concrete, outdoor decks and balconies) is allowed for safety, health or emergency reasons with a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle or high-pressure cleaning equipment. For example:
Health Safety Cleaning spilt food or drink
Cleaning after accidents
Cleaning animal droppings
Cleaning areas affected by sewer overflows
Cleaning public amenities
Removing a build-up of mould or moss -
If I have a rainwater tank, do Smart Water Choices still apply?
Only rainwater tanks that are not connected to the drinking water supply are exempt from Smart Water Choices.
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When can I water my garden with a handheld hose?
You can water your garden before 10 am or after 4 pm using a handheld hose fitted with a trigger nozzle.
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Are soaker hoses allowed?
You can use a soaker hose before 10 am or after 4 pm.
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Is drip irrigation allowed?
You can use drip irrigation before 10 am or after 4 pm.
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When can I water with a bucket or watering can?
You can water your garden with a bucket or watering can at any time.
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Am I allowed to clean my garbage bin at anytime?
Cleaning your garbage bins is allowed, provided you are using a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle. Do this on the grass whenever possible.
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If I have a water feature or fountain in my garden can I still run it at anytime?
Yes.
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If I have a gardener or a contractor who works in my garden, do they have to comply with Level 1 water restrictions?
Yes, however, they may be eligible for an exemption for some critical business activities.
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Do Smart Water Choices apply to watering new turf or a new garden?
An automatic watering exemption is provided for the establishment of a new lawn or new garden. You can water the new turf or plants at any time for a period of up to two weeks using a sprinkler, irrigation system or a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle. Please keep a copy of your delivery or purchase docket to prove the date of installation.
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Can I water with fertiliser, pesticide, chemical any time of the day after application?
No. Under Smart Water Choices, you can only water before 10 am and after 4 pm.
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Can I use drinking water for dust suppression?
Drinking water can be used for dust suppression but only where there is no alternative water source reasonably available in the situation.
Buildings
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Am I allowed to wash my building down?
You can wash building structures, windows, walls, gutters and roofing using a hose fitted using a trigger nozzle or with high-pressure water cleaning equipment.
Pools
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Can I top up an existing pool?
You can top up an existing pool if using a trigger nozzle or device that can be turned off instantly. You can't leave an unattended hose running in a pool unless you have applied for an exemption.
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If I am installing a new pool or renovated pool can I fill it?
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. As the property owner, you can apply for an exemption from ‘leaving a hose unattended’ by registering the address of the property and the date the pool/spa will be filled. This exemption applies whether the pool is being filled by a pool or spa company, or by the property owner. Once you have applied for an exemption a tap timer can be used to prevent overfilling.
Reduce evaporation from your pool by installing an appropriate pool or spa cover.