Permanent water-saving rules were introduced in 2011 to help us use water efficiently.
Using the right equipment to water around your house or public space, and knowing when to use it, will help save our precious resource.
Key water-saving rules
Category
Rules
Equipment
You can use a hand-held hose if it is fitted with a leak-free trigger nozzle.
If you use a watering system, it should be fitted with a rain or soil moisture sensor.
Watering gardens, lawns and playing surfaces
You can water residential, commercial or public gardens or lawns at any time using a watering can, bucket or hand-held hose.
You can use a watering system at any time between 6pm and 10am.
Washing cars, boats and other vehicles
You can wash your car, boat or other vehicle at any time using a bucket, hand-held hose or high-pressure cleaning unit.
Cleaning hard surfaces
You can clean your driveway, footpath or building using a high-pressure cleaning device, a bucket or a hand-held hose once per season – that’s once in summer, autumn, winter and spring.
You can also clean these hard surfaces if you are:
responding to an accident, fire, health hazard or other emergency
operating a watering system between the hours of 6pm to 10am
carrying out construction or renovations (a high-pressure cleaning device is preferable).
Fountains and water features
You can use fountains or water features only if they recirculate water.
Pools and spas
You can top up or fill your swimming pool and spa at any time.
