Water Restrictions

We operate under the following permanent water saving rules.

These rules mean Council generally recommends not watering during the hottest part of the day at any time.

Gardens and Lawns (daylight savings time)
Automatic watering system any day: between 8pm and 10am  
Manual watering system  any day: between 10pm and 10am
Hand-held hose with trigger device any day, any time

 

Gardens and Lawns (all other times AEST)

Automatic watering system any day: between 10pm and 10am
Manual watering system  any day: between 6pm and 10am 
 Hand-held hose with a trigger device any day, any time 

 

Public Spaces
 Public spaces and sports grounds any day: between 6pm and 10am 

 

Swimming Pools and Spas

New pools and spas may be filled.  
Existing pools and spas may be topped up with a hand held hose or an automated system.

Garden Ponds

Garden ponds may be filled from empty.
Garden ponds can be topped up with a hand held hose or by an automated system.

Fountains

A fountain which does not re-circulate water must not be operated.
No restriction applies to topping up a fountain at any time. 

Dams & Tanks

Dams, tanks or like containers must not be filled or have their water added to or replaced, unless the water is to be used for in-house domestic purposes, stock, fire-fighting purposes or with written permission of the Council.

Construction Industry

Only a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle may be used during the construction or repair of any building or works. 
Cleaning Paving, Concrete and Other Hard Services (Including Houses, Walls, Sheds etc.) 
Water must not be used to clean hard surfaces unless required as a result of:  
An accident, fire, health hazard or safety reason; or  
Staining on the surface has developed and a hand held hose or high pressure water cleaning device is used (once per season).  
For construction or renovation work using a high pressure water cleaning device.

Mobile Water Tankers

A tanker permit from the Council is required. 
Tankers with permits may fill at anytime if the water is to be used for firefighting, construction, in-house use, stock watering, crop spraying or public health reasons.

Vehicle Cleaning

Washing of vehicles using a hand held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle or a high pressure water cleaning device is permitted on any surface and on any day of the week. 
A commercial car wash can also be used.

Exemptions

Use of recycled, grey or rainwater is exempt unless it has been mixed with water from the reticulated supply. 
Commercial car wash facilities that use water from a source other than the Council’s reticulated water system or operate in a way that minimizes water wastage.  
Council operated truck wash facilities may only be used to clean livestock cartage vehicles, but a permit is required.   
Essential cleaning of paved areas at Finley Livestock Exchange may take place at any time as long as the hose used is in good condition and wastage is minimised.   
Commercial Enterprises / Essential Services may be granted an exemption if they can demonstrate financial hardship or a community benefit.

Applications for temporary or permanent exemptions must be made in writing and addressed to the Chief Executive Officer.  
Exemptions can be considered, amended or revoked at any time.

 

Penalties

Persons who willfully or negligently waste or misuse water from a public water supply are guilty of an offence - penalty $220.
Continual offenders may be prosecuted. Maximum penalty that could be issued is $2,200 or 20 penalty units.