Exemptions to permanent water-saving rules
Certain personal situations and water use are exempt from permanent water-saving rules.
You do not need approval to use water if you are:
- using recycled, reclaimed, rain or greywater that is not supplemented by drinking water
- applying fertilisers
- testing irrigation systems
- watering existing gardens and lawns where a health and safety risk exists; for example, to limit dust
- carrying out construction, reconstruction or renovation activities, or hosting motocross, equestrian or similar events.
Exemptions and Water Use Plans
In some circumstances, you can apply for an exemption to the permanent water-saving rules or a specific stage of restrictions. If one of the reasons listed below applies to you, you can apply for an exemption.
Apply for an exemption or Water Use Plan
If you have any questions, call us on 13 44 99.
For some exemptions you’ll need a Water Use Plan. Water Use Plans help to manage water use for specific purposes or for a specific stage of restrictions. They also help you maximise water-saving during restrictions.
A Water Use Plan shows how you are saving water or how you plan to save water in the future. A Water Use Plan must be approved for us to consider an exemption to some of the permanent water use rules.
A Water Use Plan will only be approved if:
- the water use described in the plan is permitted under the relevant stage of restrictions, and
- the Water Use Plan is part of a water restriction exemption application.
Types of exemptions
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If you have a medical condition or a disability, you can apply for an exemption.
A hard surface includes any courtyard, deck, footpath, driveway or other outside area, made of concrete, brick, tiles, bitumen, wood or similar surface.
In some circumstances, you can apply to use water outside of the set times outlined in the permanent water use rules or water restrictions.
When you install or sow new grass, applying for an exemption allows you to water new grass outside of the hours allowed in the permanent water-use rules for up to 28 days.
The exemption only applies to warm-season grass such as couch, buffalo and kikuyu. These grasses are best suited to Melbourne’s climate and can reduce water use by up to 70 per cent.
A Garden of Significance is a public or private garden that has notable botanic, environmental or historic qualities.
Some other personal situations and water use are exempt from permanent water-saving rules, outside of the specific types listed here.
Types of Water Use Plans
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This includes private and public or commercial pools and spas.
Unless granted an exemption, you are not allowed to fill up a residential pool or spa during water restrictions or outside of the set times outlined under the permanent water use rules.
A sportsground or oval is any outdoor area that is used for organised sport or recreation.
During staged restrictions (excluding Stage 4), schools and councils can water outside of allowed watering times.
For more information on sportsground Water Use Plans, download the Sportsground fact sheet.
Tennis courts can be watered in accordance with water restrictions or Permanent Water Use Rules. To water a tennis court outside of allowed watering times during staged restrictions (excluding Stage 4), you must submit a Water Use Plan.
A public garden area could be:
- any garden area at any park, reserve or other outdoor area, used or available for public recreation or amenity
- garden area at any cemetery, crematorium, central road area or roundabout under the management or control of a public statutory body
- trees located in a nature strip.
Unless granted an exemption, the watering of a public garden or lawn must follow the permanent water-saving rules and any additional rules that are in place during water restrictions. For the public garden or lawn to be considered for an exemption, you must complete a Water Use Plan application.
A commercial car wash is any commercial facility used for washing any type of vehicle.
Unless granted an exemption, a commercial car wash must follow the permanent water-saving rules and any additional rules that are in place during water restrictions. For your commercial car wash to be considered for an exemption, you must complete a Water Use Plan application.
Unless an exemption is granted, using water for dust suppression must follow the permanent water-saving rules and any additional rules that are in place during water restrictions. Under water restrictions, using water to suppress dust is only allowed if you have a Water Use Plan.
A nursery or market garden is any area that is used primarily to propagate, cultivate or harvest fruit, vegetables, vines or other plants for sale and distribution.
Unless granted an exemption, a nursery or market garden must follow the permanent water-saving rules and any additional rules that are in place during water restrictions. For your nursery or market garden to be considered for an exemption, you must complete a Water Use Plan application.
A residential pond or lake includes any collection of water for ornamental or urban drainage retention purposes. It does not include a fountain, water feature or tank that is used to house fish or other aquatic life.
Unless granted an exemption, a residential pond or lake must follow the permanent water-saving rules and any additional rules that are in place during water restrictions. For your residential pond or lake to be considered for an exemption, you must complete a Water Use Plan application.
A pond, lake, dam or tank includes any collection of water for ornamental or urban drainage purposes. It does not include a fountain or water feature, or a tank that is used to house fish or other aquatic life.
Unless granted an exemption, a pond, lake, dam or tank must follow the permanent water use rules and any additional rules that are in place during water restrictions.
