Smart Water Choices at home

Smart Water Choices are the Lower Hunter’s mandatory Permanent Water Conservation Measures.

These simple, everyday choices will help our community maintain our new normal by continuing the great water saving behaviours they have demonstrated during Level 1 water restrictions.

Use a trigger nozzle, water before 10am or after 4pm, sweep hard surfaces

Quick look at Smart Water Choices

Trigger nozzle

All hand held hoses must have a trigger nozzle. Trigger nozzles provide more control over the water flow of your hose so less water is wasted.

Watering

Only watering the garden before 10 am or after 4 pm. This avoids the hottest part of the day when water wastage occurs due to evaporation.

Hard surfaces

No hosing of hard surfaces such as concrete, paths and driveways. By swapping to a broom or leaf blower, you'll save water from being washed down the drain.

Sprinklers

Watering with a sprinkler, irrigation system or hose is permitted any day before 10am or after 4pm.

What's allowed under Smart Water Choices?

  • Watering lawns and gardens

    • All hand held hoses must have a trigger nozzle attached.
    • Watering with a sprinkler, irrigation system or hose is permitted any day before 10am or after 4pm. This avoids the hottest part of the day when water wastage occurs due to evaporation.
  • Cleaning external hard surfaces (concrete, paths and driveways)

    • No hosing of hard surfaces such as concrete, paths and driveways. Exemptions apply for health, hygiene, safety, environmental, construction and discolouration reasons
  • Filling private pools and spas

    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.

    Hoses must be used under direct supervision or a timer may be used to prevent overfilling. Reduce evaporation in your pool by purchasing an appropriate pool or spa cover.

What's excluded from Smart Water Choices?

There are basic exclusions from Smart Water Choices, including:

  • Recycled Water
  • Greywater (water from sinks, showers, washing machines etc.)
  • Rainwater (provided the tank/dam is not topped from or switched to, the drinking water supply)
  • Bore water
  • Water used for firefighting, testing and related activities.

Helpful links

Frequently asked questions

About Smart Water Choices

  • When will they apply?

    “Smart Water Choices were introduced on 1 October 2020, under the Hunter Water Regulation. A copy of the Smart Water Choices Permanent Water Conservation Measures Order is available here.

  • 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.

  • Do Smart Water Choices apply in high fire risk areas or during a fire emergency?

    No.

  • 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

  • When does an exemption automatically apply?

    In some instances automatic exemptions apply. Automatic exemptions apply to the following activities and can be undertaken at any time, unless specified.

    ActivityAutomatic exemption

    Bore water

    The use of bore water or water from a recycled water system.
    Rainwater tanksThe use of rainwater provided that any storage tank or dam is not topped up from, or switched to, Hunter Water's drinking water supply.

    Lawns and gardens

    The watering of lawns and gardens before 10am and after 4pm on any day using a sprinkler, irrigation system or a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle.

    New turf and gardens

    The use of sprinklers or watering systems for the establishment of new lawn and gardens for fourteen (14) days from the date of installation.
    Nurseries, landscapers, some sporting fieldsThe use of a hand held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, sprinklers or other watering systems by 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.
    Fire fightingThe use of fire hoses for firefighting purposes, hazard reduction purposes or fire service testing.

    Paths, driveways, hard surfaces

    Spot cleaning with a hose of paths, driveways and other hard surfaces when cleaning with water is necessary for purposes (readily identifiable to an authorised person) 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.
    VehiclesWashing of vehicles or vessels of any type, using a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, high pressure water cleaning equipment, or a bucket and sponge (or similar arrangement).

    Boats

    The use of water for flushing inboard and outboard boat engines by means of a hose fitted with an appropriate flushing device. The use of water by means of a hose fitted with a trigger or high-pressure water cleaning equipment for cleaning bilges or essential safety components on boat trailers, including wheels and brakes.
    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.

    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.
    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 (eg asbestos), use of water must comply with the applicable incident response guidelines for the suppression of the specific hazardous substance involved.
    People and petsThe use of water for the purpose of cooling people or animals.



  • Are there any Smart Water Choices exemptions for homes?

    Residential customers who are unable to comply with Smart Water Choices are required to apply for an exemption for any outdoor watering between 10 am and 4 pm, hosing down hard surfaces like driveways, footpaths or outdoor decks (except for health or safety reasons), and/or if you need to leave a hose or tap running unattended (eg. when filing a pool) or use a hose without a trigger nozzle.

  • 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

Inside your home

  • Is water used inside my home restricted?

    Smart Water Choices primarily apply to outdoor water usage. However, we encourage residents to continue their way saving within the home whether it’s by reducing showers to 4 minutes, fixing leaks or waiting for a full load before doing the washing. We can all continue to play our part and conserve our most precious resource.

Gardens and outdoors

  • 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

      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).
  • What is the definition of a sprinkler?

    A sprinkler is a device used to spray water. It includes micro-spray and misting systems.

  • Are weeper hoses allowed?

    Weeper hoses can be used before 10am or after 4pm.

  • Can I apply for an exemption so I can continue using a sprinkler?

    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.

  • 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.

  • 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:

    HealthSafety

    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.

  • 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.

  • Why is it important to use a trigger nozzle?

    Using a trigger nozzle is smart water choice that's easy to make. Trigger nozzles provide more control over the water flow of your hose so less water is wasted when watering your garden. Trigger nozzles can be purchased from your local hardware store for under $10.

  • Are soaker hoses allowed?

    You can use a soaker hose before 10 am or after 4 pm.

  • Is drip irrigation allowed?

    You can use drip irrigation before 10 am or after 4 pm.

  • Can I wash my pet outside?

    Yes, under Smart Water Choices you may wash and rinse your pet using a bucket or a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle at any time on any day.

  • When can I water with a bucket or watering can?

    You can water your garden with a bucket or watering can at any time.

  • 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.

  • If I have a water feature or fountain in my garden can I still run it at anytime?

    Yes.

  • If I have a gardener or a contractor who works in my garden, do they have to comply with Smart Water Choices?

    Yes, however, they may apply for an exemption for critical business activities.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Buildings

  • Am I allowed to wash my house 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

Vehicles

  • Can I wash my car, boat or caravan?

    Yes, under Smart Water Choices you may wash and rinse any car, boat or caravan with a bucket, using a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle or a pressure cleaner at any time on any day.

  • Should I wash my car, boat or caravan on the lawn?

    Wherever possible, try to wash your car, boat or caravan on the lawn. This way you can avoid stormwater pollution, save water, as well as water and fertilise your lawn.

  • Can I wash my boat?

    Under Smart Water Choices you can:

    • flush inboard or outboard boat engines by means of a hose fitted with an appropriate flushing device
    • clean bilges or essential safety components on boat trailers, including wheels and brakes using a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle or high-pressure water cleaning equipment
    • rinse vessels immediately after being used in saltwater, using a hand-held hose with a trigger nozzle or pressure cleaning equipment
    • fill fixed water tanks in vessels using a hand-held hose. Unattended filling of water tanks is not permitted.

It's smart business to love water

We recognise that water is crucial to economic activity and community life however water is a finite resource so we need to save it now, for the future.

Ways to save water in the home

There are many simple ways we can all work together to save bucket loads of water. Find out how you can save your buckets here!

Our current water storage levels

Our water levels drop faster than most other major Australian urban centres during hot, dry periods because we have shallow water storages and high evaporation rates.