North East Water operates twenty nine separate water supply systems throughout the North East that draw water supply from a wide range of sources including groundwater, reservoirs and directly from rivers and streams. All these sources vary widely in regard to the volumes they can supply and their reliability in times of drought.

• View Current Water Supply Restrictions »

The Corporation has developed a Drought Response Plan for operational response to periods when a shortfall in water availability does occur. This Plan provides a planned, timely and effective response and minimises the impact on customers.

The Plan outcome of this process is a detailed response plan tailored to each individual supply system with defined trigger levels (based on storage volumes or stream flows depending on the system) clearly indicating when each successive step in our four stage restriction policy needs to be implemented beginning with a preliminary public awareness campaign (voluntary restrictions).

The harshness of the restrictions stages reflect the seriousness of the potential supply shortfall:

• Public Awareness Campaign (voluntary)
• Mild (stage 1)
• Medium (stage 2)
• High (stage 3)
• Critical (stage 4)
• Definitions

Voluntary Restrictions

As a first step in conservation North East Water is notifying you of the situation and is seeking a voluntary reduction in water consumption.

All residents are asked to:

• Check their water systems to ensure that there are no leaking taps or running toilets etc.
• Be careful in the use of water in the garden and avoid over watering the garden.
• Ensure that any automatic sprinkler systems are working properly and that the timer shut off is correctly working.
• Avoid hosing footpaths and driveways.

With your cooperation in water conservation, we hope to postpone the need to impose water restrictions. As the situation develops we will keep you informed.

Return to Top

The Following Compulsory Restrictions Apply To Stage 1:

Residential or Commercial Garden or Lawn

1. A garden area must not be watered except by means of:

• a manual watering system which operates only as required within the hours of 6.00am and 8.00am and 8.00pm and 10.00pm on alternate days; or
• an automatic watering system, which operates only as required within the hours of midnight and 4.00am on alternate days.

2. A lawn area must not be watered except by means of;

• a manual watering system which operates only as required within the hours of 6.00am and 8.00am and 8.00pm and 10.00pm on alternate days; or
• an automatic watering system, which operates only as required within the hours of midnight and 4.00am on alternate days.

3. A garden or lawn area may be watered using a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or a watering can or bucket filled either by a hand held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or directly from a tap, at any time.

Public Garden or Lawn

1. A garden area must not be watered except by means of:

• a manual watering system which operates only as required within the hours of 6.00am and 10.00am and 8.00pm and midnight on alternate days;
• an automatic watering system, which operates only as required within the hours of midnight and 8.00am on alternate days.

2. A lawn area must not be watered except by means of:

• a manual watering system which operates only as required within the hours of 6.00am and 10.00am and 8.00pm and midnight on alternate days; or
• an automatic watering system, which operates only as required within the hours of midnight and 8.00am on alternate days.

3. A garden and lawn area may be watered using a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or a watering can or bucket filled either by a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or directly from a tap, at any time.

4. Despite items 1) – 3) either or both of a garden area and a lawn area may be watered in accordance with a Water Conservation Plan prepared by the operator and approved by North East Water for the purposes of Stage 1 restrictions.

Sportsground

1. An exempt playing surface must not be watered except by:

• a manual watering system which operates only as required within the hours of 6.00am and 10.00am and 8.00pm and midnight on alternate days; or
• an automatic watering system, which operates only as required within the hours of midnight and 8.00am on alternate days.

2. Any other playing surface must not be watered except by means of:

• a manual watering system which operates only as required within the hours of 6.00am and 10.00am and 8.00pm and midnight on alternate days:

• an automatic watering system, which operates only as required within the hours of midnight and 8.00am on alternate days.

3. Any playing surface may be watered using a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or a watering can or bucket filled either by hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or directly from a tap, at any time.

4. Despite items 1) – 3), a sportsground may be watered in accordance with a Water Conservation Plan, prepared by the operator and approved by North East Water, for the purpose of Stage 1 restrictions.

Pond or Lake

• A new pond or lake must not be filled for the first time except with the written permission of North East Water.
• An existing pond or lake must not be filled or topped up except by a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle or a watering can or bucket, filled either by hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or directly from a tap.

Fountain and Water Feature

• A fountain or water features must not operate unless it recirculates any water used.
• A fountain or water feature must not be filled or topped up except by a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle or a watering can or bucket, filled either by hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or directly from a tap.

Residential or Commercial Pool or Spa

1. A new pool or spa with a capacity of less than 500 litres may be filled by means of either a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle or a watering can or bucket, filled either by hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or directly from a tap.
2. A new residential or commercial pool or spa with a capacity of between 500 and 2,000 litres may be filled.
3. A new residential or commercial pool or spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more must not be filled for the first time except by means outlined in a Water Conservation Plan approved by North East Water.
4. An existing residential or commercial pool or spa with a volume equal to or less than 2000 litre capacity may be filled by means of a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle or a watering can or bucket, filled either by hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or directly from a tap (and not by means of a hose).
5. An existing residential or commercial pool or spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more must not be filled except in accordance with a Water Conservation Plan, prepared by the owner or occupier and approved by North East Water.
6. An existing residential or commercial pool or spa must not be topped up except by means of a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or by a watering can or bucket, filled either by a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle or directly from a tap.

Municipal Pool or Spa

• A new municipal pool or spa must not be filled for the first time except in accordance with a Water Conservation Plan, prepared by the operator and approved by North East Water.
• An existing municipal pool or spa must not be topped up except to the extent and in the manner approved by North East Water in writing.

Mobile Spa

• A mobile spa with a capacity of between 500 and 2,000 litres may be filled.
• A mobile spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more must not be filled except in accordance with a Water Conservation Plan prepared by the operator and approved by North East Water.

Water Toy

A water toy must not be used at any time.

Dam or Tank

A dam or tank must not be filled or topped up, except:

• with the written permission of North East Water; or
• in the case of a dam or tank providing water for fire fighting, public health or stock, only to the extent which, in the opinion of North East Water is reasonably necessary to provide for those purposes.

Water Tanker

A water tanker must not be filled or topped up, unless;

• North East Water has granted a mobile water tanker permit to the operator of that tanker; and the tanker is supplying water to be used inside a dwelling or
• for fire fighting, stock watering, construction, or dust suppression and other public health purposes.

Commercial Market Garden or Commercial or Council Plant Nursery

No Restrictions.

Vehicles

Water must not be used to clean a vehicle except by means of:

• a hand held-hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, to pre-rinse and rinse only; or
• a high pressure water cleaning device; or
• a commercial car wash referred to in item 14 of the Schedule; or
• a watering can or bucket filled either by a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or directly from a tap.

Commercial Car Wash

A commercial car wash must not use water to clean vehicles, except by means of:

• a high pressure water cleaning device; or
• a hand held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle to pre-rinse and rinse only; or
• a watering can or bucket filled either by a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or directly from a tap.

Motor Vehicle Dealer

Water must not be used to clean vehicles in a motor vehicle dealership except on alternate days, and then only by means of:

• a high pressure water cleaning device; or
• a hand held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle; or
• a commercial car wash referred to in item 14 of the Schedule; or
• a watering can or bucket filled either by a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or directly from a tap.

Food Transport Vehicle

Water must not be used to clean inside a food transport vehicle except by means of;

• a high pressure water cleaning device; or
• a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, and only if such cleaning is necessary, either to avoid contamination of the vehicle’s contents or to ensure public safety.

Boat Motors

Water must not be used to flush the inboard or outboard motor of a vessel unless:

• a suitable receptacle filled by a hand-held hose is used or;
• a flushing device, connected to a hose is used, and the tap is turned off immediately after flushing is complete.

Hard Surface

Water must not be used to clean a hard surface unless cleaning is required as a result of:

• an accident, fire, health hazard, safety hazard or other emergency, and a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle is used; or
• construction or renovation work to the surface, and a high-pressure water cleaning device is used.

Building Facade (including windows)

Water must not be used to clean a building façade unless:

a) a bucket filled directly from a tap (and not by means of a hose) is used.

b) cleaning is required as a result of:

• an accident, fire, health hazard, safety hazard or other emergency, and a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle is used; or
• construction or renovation work, and a high-pressure water cleaning device is used.

Dust Suppression

Water must not be used to suppress dust, other than in the course of construction referred to in item 21 of the Schedule, unless dust is causing a health or environmental hazard; and then only by means of:

• a water tanker permitted in accordance with item 11; or
• a hand-held hose, fitted with a trigger nozzle, or by a watering can, filled either by a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or directly from a tap.

Construction

Water must not be used in construction except:

• by means of a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or by a bucket or other container, filled either by a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or directly from a tap; or
• by construction equipment which requires a water supply for its safe and efficient operation; or
• water used in the normal course of initial testing or flushing of pipes or other works.

Animal Husbandry

Water must not be used for animal husbandry except for:

• drinking by animals or birds;
• cleaning of animals or birds;
• cleaning pens, yards and cages, and then only if cleaning is done by means of a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle.

Commercial Poultry Farm

Water must not be used for cooling a shed on a commercial poultry farm except by means of:

• sprinklers used only for cooling and then only when the inside temperature reaches 30 oC and between the hours of 6am and 9pm; and
• fogging systems and cooling pads, which may be used at any time.

Other Purposes

Water must not be used for any other purpose without the prior written permission of North East Water.

The Following Compulsory Restrictions Apply To Stage 2:

Residential or Commercial Garden or Lawn

1. A garden area must not be watered except by means of:

• a manual watering system which operates only as required within 6.00am and 8.00am and 8.00pm and 10.00pm on alternate days; or
• an automatic watering system, which operates only as required within, the hours of midnight and 4am on alternate days.

2. A lawn area must not be watered at any time.

3. A garden area may be watered using a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or a watering can or bucket filled either by a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or directly from a tap, at any time.

Public Garden or Lawn

1. A garden area must not be watered except by means of:

• a manual watering system, which operates only as required within the hours of 6.00am and 10.00am and 8.00pm and midnight on alternate days.
• an automatic watering system, which operates only as required within the hours of midnight and 8.00am on alternate days.

2. A lawn area must not be watered at any time.

3. A garden area may be watered using a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or a watering can or bucket filled either by a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or directly from a tap, at any time.

4. Despite items 1) – 3) either or both of a garden area and a lawn area may be watered in accordance with a Water Conservation Plan prepared by the operator and approved by North East Water for the purposes of Stage 2 restrictions.

Sportsground

1. An exempt playing surface must not be watered except by:

• a manual watering system which operates only as required within the hours of 6.00am and 10.00am and 8.00pm and midnight on alternate days; or
• an automatic watering system, which operates only as required within the hours of midnight and 8.00am on alternate days.

2. Any other playing surface must not be watered at any time.

3. An exempt playing surface may be watered using a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or a watering can or bucket filled either by hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or directly from a tap, at any time.

4. Despite items 1) – 3), a sportsground may be watered in accordance with a Water Conservation Plan, prepared by the operator and approved by North East Water, for the purpose of Stage 2 restrictions

Pond or Lake

• A new pond or lake must not be filled.
• An existing pond or lake must not be filled or topped up unless the relevant pond or lake sustains aquatic fauna or bird life, and then only to the extent and in the manner specified in written permission from North East Water.

Fountain and Water Feature

• A fountain or water feature must not be operated unless it recirculates any water used.
• A fountain or water feature must not be filled or topped up.

Residential or Commercial Pool or Spa

1. A new pool or spa with a capacity of less than 500 litres may be filled by means of either a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle or a watering can or bucket, filled either by hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or directly from a tap.
2. A new residential or commercial pool or spa with a capacity of between 500 and 2,000 litres may be filled.
3. A new residential or commercial pool or spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more must not be filled for the first time except by means outlined in a Water Conservation Plan approved by North East Water.
4. An existing residential or commercial pool or spa with a volume equal to or less than 2000 litre capacity may be filled by means of either a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle or a watering can or bucket, filled either by hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or directly from a tap (and not by means of a hose).
5. An existing residential or commercial pool or spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more must not be filled except in accordance with a Water Conservation Plan, prepared by the owner or occupier and approved by North East Water.
6. An existing residential or commercial pool or spa must not be topped up except by means of a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or by a watering can or bucket, filled either by a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle or directly from a tap.

Municipal Pool or Spa

• A new municipal pool or spa must not be filled for the first time except in accordance with a Water Conservation Plan, prepared by the operator and approved by North East Water
• An existing municipal pool or spa must not be topped up except to the extent and in the manner approved by North East Water in writing.

Mobile Spa

• A mobile spa with a capacity of between 500 and 2,000 litres may be filled.
• A mobile spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more must not be filled except in accordance with a Water Conservation Plan prepared by the operator and approved by North East Water.

Water Toy

A water toy must not be used at any time.

Dam or Tank

A dam or tank must not be filled or topped up, except:

• with the written permission of North East Water; or
• in the case of a dam or tank providing water for fire fighting, public health or stock, only to the extent which, in the opinion of North East Water is reasonably necessary to provide for those purposes.

Water Tanker

A water tanker must not be filled or topped up, unless;

• North East Water has granted a mobile water tanker permit to the operator of that tanker; and
• the tanker is supplying water to be used inside a dwelling or for fire fighting, stock watering, construction, or dust suppression and other public health purposes.

Commercial Market Garden or Commercial or Council Plant Nursery

No Restrictions.

Vehicles

Water must not be used to clean vehicles except by means of:

• a high pressure water cleaning device; or
• a commercial car wash referred to in Item 14 in Schedule; or
• a watering can or bucket filled directly from a tap (and not by means of a hose).

Commercial Car Wash

A commercial car wash must not operate:

• unless it will not use more than 100 litres of water for every car washed; and
• except in accordance with a Water Conservation Plan, prepared by the operator and approved by North East Water.

Motor Vehicle Dealer

Water must not be used to clean vehicles in a motor vehicle dealership except on alternate days, and then only by means of:

• a high pressure water cleaning device; or
• a commercial car wash referred to in item 14 of the Schedule; or
• a watering can or bucket filled directly from a tap (and not by means of a hose).

Food Transport Vehicle

Water must not be used to clean inside a food transport vehicle except by means of;

• a high pressure water cleaning device: or
• a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, and only if such cleaning is necessary, either to avoid contamination of the vehicle’s contents or to ensure public safety.

Boat Motors

Water must not be used to flush the inboard or outboard motor of a vessel unless:

• a suitable receptacle filled by a hand-held hose is used: or
• a flushing device, connected to a hose is used, and the tap is turned off immediately after flushing is complete.

Hard Surface

Water must not be used to clean a hard surface unless cleaning is required as a result of:

• an accident, fire, health hazard, safety hazard or other emergency, and a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle is used; or
• construction or renovation work to the surface, and a high-pressure water cleaning device is used.

Building Facade (including windows)

Water must not be used to clean a building facade unless:

a) a bucket filled directly from a tap (and not by means of a hose) is used; or

b) cleaning is required as a result of:

• an accident, fire, health hazard, safety hazard or other emergency, and a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle is used; or
• construction or renovation work, and a high-pressure water cleaning device is used.

Dust Suppression

Water must not be used to suppress dust, other than in the course of construction referred to in item 21 of the Schedule, unless dust is causing a health or environmental hazard; and then only by means of:

• a water tanker permitted in accordance with item 11; or
• a hand-held hose, fitted with a trigger nozzle, or by a watering can, filled either by a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or directly from a tap.

Construction

Water must not be used in construction except:

• by means of a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or by a bucket or other container, filled either by a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or directly from a tap; or
• by construction equipment which requires a water supply for its safe and efficient operation; or
• water used in the normal course of initial testing or flushing of pipes or other works.

Animal Husbandry

Water must not be used for animal husbandry except for:

• drinking by animals or birds;
• cleaning of animals or birds;
• cleaning pens, yards and cages, and then only if cleaning is done by means of a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle.

Commercial Poultry Farm

Water must not be used for cooling a shed on a commercial poultry farm except by means of:

• sprinklers used only for cooling and then only when the inside temperature reaches 30 oC and between the hours of 6am and 9pm; and
• fogging systems and cooling pads, which may be used at any time.

Other Purposes

Water must not be used for any other purpose without the prior written permission of North East Water.

The Following Compulsory Restrictions Apply To Stage 3:

Residential or Commercial Garden or Lawn

1. A garden area must not be watered except by means of:

a) a manual dripper watering system which operates only as required within the hours of 6.00am and 8.00am, and 8.00pm and 10.00pm on:

• either or both of Sunday and Wednesday for a property with an odd street number; or
• either or both of Saturday and Tuesday for a property with an even street number or a property without a street number.

Note: On Monday, Thursday and Friday no watering is permitted.)

b) an automatic dripper watering system which operates only as required within the hours of midnight and 4.00am, on;

• either or both of Sunday and Wednesday for a property with an odd street number; or
• either or both of Saturday and Tuesday for a property with an even street number or a property without a street number.

(Note: On Monday, Thursday and Friday no watering is permitted.)

2. A lawn area must not be watered at any time.

3. A garden area must not be watered except by means of a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or watering can or bucket filled either by a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle or directly from a tap, and then only as required within the hours of 6.00am and 8.00am, and 8.00pm and 10.00pm on:

• either or both of Sunday and Wednesday for a property with an odd street number; or
• either or both of Saturday and Tuesday for a property with an even street number or a property without a street number.

(Note: On Monday, Thursday and Friday no watering is permitted.)

Public Garden or Lawn

1. A garden area must not be watered except by means of:

a) a manual dripper watering system which operates only as required within the hours of 6.00am and 10.00am and 8.00pm and midnight on:

• either or both of Sunday and Wednesday for a property with an odd street number; or
• either or both of Saturday and Tuesday for a property with an even street number or a property without a street number.

(Note: On Monday, Thursday and Friday no watering is permitted.)

b) An automatic dripper watering system which operates only as required within the hours of midnight and 8.00am, on;

• either or both of Sunday and Wednesday for a property with an odd street number; or
• either or both of Saturday and Tuesday for a property with an even street number or a property without a street number.

(Note: On Monday, Thursday and Friday no watering is permitted.)

2. A lawn area must not be watered at any time.

3. A garden area must not be watered except by means of hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle or a watering can or bucket filled either by a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or directly from a tap and only as required within the hours of 6.00am and 10.00am on:

• either or both of Sunday and Wednesday for a property with an odd street number; or
• either or both of Saturday and Tuesday for a property with an even street number or a property without a street number.

(Note: On Monday, Thursday and Friday no watering is permitted)

4. Despite items 1) – 3) either or both of a garden area and a lawn area may be watered in accordance with a Water Conservation Plan prepared by the operator and approved by North East Water for the purposes of Stage 3 restrictions.

Sportsground

1. An exempt playing surface must not be watered except by:

a) a manual dripper watering system which operates only as required within the hours of 6.00am and 10.00am and 8.00 pm and midnight on:

• either or both of Sunday and Wednesday for a property with an odd street number; or
• either or both of Saturday and Tuesday for a property with an even street number or a property without a street number.

(Note: On Monday, Thursday and Friday no watering is permitted)

b) an automatic watering system which operates only as required within the hours of midnight and 8.00am on:

• either or both of Sunday and Wednesday for a property with an odd street number; or
• either or both of Saturday and Tuesday for a property with an even street number or a property without a street number.

(Note: On Monday, Thursday and Friday no watering is permitted)

2. Any other playing surface must not be watered at any time.

3. An exempt playing surface must not be watered except by a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or a watering can or bucket filled either by a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle or directly from a tap, and then only as required within the hours of 6.00am and 10.00am on:

• either or both of Sunday and Wednesday for a property with an odd street number; or
• either or both of Saturday and Tuesday for a property with an even street number or a property without a street number.

(Note: On Monday, Thursday and Friday no watering is permitted)

4. Despite items 1) – 3), a sportsground may be watered in accordance with a Water Conservation Plan, prepared by the operator and approved by North East Water, for the purpose of Stage 3 restrictions.

Pond or Lake

• A new pond or lake must not be filled.
• An existing pond or lake must not be filled or topped up unless the relevant pond or lake sustains aquatic fauna or bird life, and then only to the extent and in the manner specified in written permission of North East Water.

Fountain and Water Feature

• A fountain or water feature must not be operated unless it recirculates any water used.
• A fountain or water feature must not be filled or topped up.

Residential or Commercial Pool or Spa

1. A pool or spa with a capacity of less than 500 litres must not be filled.
2. A new residential or commercial pool or spa with a capacity of between 500 and 2,000 litres must not be filled.
3. A new residential or commercial pool or spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more must not be filled.
4. An existing residential or commercial pool or spa with a volume equal to or less than 2000 litre capacity may be filled by means of a watering can or bucket, filled directly from the tap (and not by means of a hose).
5. An existing residential or commercial pool or spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more must not be filled except in accordance with a Water Conservation Plan, prepared by the owner or occupier and approved by North East Water.
6. An existing residential or commercial pool or spa must not be topped up except by means of a watering can or bucket, filled directly from a tap (and not by means of a hose).

Municipal Pool or Spa

• A new municipal pool or spa must not be filled for the first time except in accordance with a Water Conservation Plan, prepared by the operator and approved by North East Water.
• An existing municipal pool or spa must not be topped up except to the extent and in the manner approved by North East Water in writing.

Mobile Spa

• A mobile spa with a capacity of between 500 and 2,000 litres must not be filled.
• A mobile spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more must not be filled.

Water Toy

A water toy must not be used at any time

Dam or Tank

A dam or tank must not be filled or topped up, except:

• with the written permission of North East Water; or
• in the case of a dam or tank providing water for fire fighting, public health or stock, only to the extent which, in the opinion of North East Water is reasonably necessary to provide for those purposes.

Water Tanker

A water tanker must not be filled or topped up, unless;

• North East Water has granted a mobile water tanker permit to the operator of that tanker; and
• the tanker is supplying water to be used inside a dwelling or for fire fighting, stock watering, construction, or dust suppression and other public health purposes.

Commercial Market Garden or Commercial or Council Plant Nursery

Water must not be used for watering any garden, plant stock, seeds or produce, except:

a) if written permission of North East Water is obtained, by:

• an automatic or manual watering system used only as required for up to three hours per day; and
• in accordance with, and while displaying any signs required by, that written permission; or

b) By hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or a watering can or bucket filled either by a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or directly from the tap, at any time.

Vehicles

Water must not be used to clean vehicles except by means of:

a) a commercial car wash referred to in Item 14 in the Schedule; or

b) a bucket filled directly from a tap (and not by means of a hose):

• to clean vehicle windows, mirrors and lights, and
• for spot removing corrosive substances.

Commercial Car Wash

A commercial car wash must not operate:

• unless it will not use more than 70 litres of water, for every vehicle washed; and
• except in accordance with a Water Conservation Plan, prepared by the proprietor and approved by North East Water.

Motor Vehicle Dealer

Water must not be used to clean motor vehicles in a motor vehicle dealership except by means of:

a) a commercial car wash referred to in item 14 of the Schedule; or

b) a bucket filled directly from a tap (and not by means of a hose):

• to clean vehicle windows, mirrors and lights; and
• for spot-removing corrosive substances.

Food Transport Vehicle

Water must not be used to clean inside a food transport vehicle except by means of;

• a high pressure water cleaning device; or
• a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, and only if such cleaning is necessary, either to avoid contamination of the vehicle’s contents, or to ensure public safety.

Boat Motors

Water must not be used to flush the inboard or outboard motor of a vessel unless:

• a suitable receptacle filled by a hand-held hose is used or;
• a flushing device, connected to a hose is used, and the tap is turned off immediately after flushing is complete.

Food Transport Vehicle

Water must not be used to clean inside a food transport vehicle except by means of;

• a high pressure water cleaning device; or
• a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, and only if such cleaning is necessary, either to avoid contamination of the vehicle’s contents, or to ensure public safety.

Boat Motors

Water must not be used to flush the inboard or outboard motor of a vessel unless:

• a suitable receptacle filled by a hand-held hose is used or;
• a flushing device, connected to a hose is used, and the tap is turned off immediately after flushing is complete.

Hard Surface

Water must not be used to clean a hard surface unless cleaning is required as a result of:

• an accident, fire, health hazard, safety hazard or other emergency and a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle is used; or
• construction or renovation work to the surface, and a high-pressure water cleaning device is used.

Building Facades (including windows)

Water must not be used to clean a building façade unless cleaning is required as a result of:

a) an accident, fire, health hazard, safety hazard or other emergency, and either:

• a bucket, filled either by a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or directly from a tap is used; or
• a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle is used; or

b) construction or renovation work and a bucket or watering can filled directly from a tap (and not by means of a hose) is used.

Dust Suppression

Water must not be used to suppress dust, other than in the course of construction referred to in item 21 of the Schedule, unless dust is causing a health or environmental hazard; and then only by means of:

• a water tanker permitted in accordance with item 11; or
• a hand-held hose, fitted with a trigger nozzle, or by a watering can, filled either by a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or directly from a tap.

Construction

Water must not be used in construction, except:

• by means of a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or by a bucket or other container, filled either by a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or directly from a tap; or
• by construction equipment which requires a water supply for its safe and efficient operation; or
• water used in the normal course of initial testing or flushing of pipes or other works.

Animal Husbandry

Water must not be used for animal husbandry except for:

• drinking by animals or birds;
• cleaning of animals or birds;
• cleaning pens, yards and cages, and then only if cleaning is done by means of a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle.

Commercial Poultry Farm

Water must not be used for cooling a shed on a commercial poultry farm except by means of:

• sprinklers used only for cooling and then only when the inside temperature reaches 30 oC and between the hours of 6am and 9pm; and
• fogging systems and cooling pads, which may be used at any time.

Other Purposes

Water must not be used for any other purpose without the prior written permission of North East Water.

The Following Compulsory Restrictions Apply To Stage 4:

Residential or Commercial Garden or Lawn

1. A garden area must not be watered at any time.
2. A lawn area must not be watered at any time.

Public Garden or Lawn

1. A garden area must not be watered by means of a manual or automatic watering system at any time.
2. A lawn area must not be watered at any time.
3. Garden and lawn areas must not be watered at any time.
4. A garden or a lawn area must not be watered at any time.

Sportsground

1. An exempt playing surface must not be watered at any time.
2. Any other playing surface must not be watered at any time.
3. No part of a sportsground may be watered at any time.

Pond or Lake

1. A new pond or lake must not be filled.
2. An existing pond or lake must not be filled or topped up unless the relevant pond or lake sustains aquatic fauna or bird life, and then only to the extent and in the manner specified in written permission of North East Water.

Fountain or Water Feature

1. A fountain or water feature of any volume must not be operated.
2. A fountain or water feature of any volume must not be filled or topped up.

Residential or Commercial Pool or Spa

1. A new pool or spa with a capacity of less than 500 litres must not be filled.
2. A new residential or commercial pool or spa with a capacity of between 500 and 2,000 litres must not be filled.
3. A new residential or commercial pool or spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more must not be filled.
4. An existing residential or commercial pool or spa with a volume equal to or less than 2000 litre capacity may be filled by means of a watering can or bucket filled directly from a tap (and not by means of a hose).
5. An existing residential or commercial pool or spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more must not be filled except in accordance with a Water Conservation Plan, prepared by the owner or occupier and approved by North East Water.
6. An existing residential or commercial pool or spa must not be topped up except by means of a watering can or bucket filled directly from a tap (and not by means of a hose).

Municipal Pool or Spa

1. A new municipal pool or spa must not be filled.
2. An existing municipal pool or spa must not be topped up except to the extent and in the manner approved by North East Water in writing.

Mobile Spa

1. A mobile spa with a capacity of between 500 and 2,000 litres must not be filled.
2. A mobile spa with a capacity of 2,000 litres or more must not be filled.

Water Toy

A water toy must not be used at any time .

Dam or Tank

A dam or tank must not be filled or topped up, except:

• with the written permission of North East Water; or
• in the case of a dam or tank providing water for fire fighting, public health or stock, only to the extent which, in the opinion of North East Water is reasonably necessary to provide for those purposes.

Water Tanker

A water tanker must not be filled or topped up, unless;

• North East Water has granted a mobile water tanker permit to the operator of that tanker; and
• the tanker is supplying water to be used inside a dwelling or for fire fighting, stock watering, construction, or public health purposes.

Commercial Market Garden or Commercial or Council Plant Nursery

Water must not be used for watering any garden, plant stock, seeds or produce, except:

a) if written permission of North East Water is obtained, by:

• an automatic or manual watering system used only as required for up to two hours per day; and
• in accordance with, and while displaying any signs required by, that written permission; or

b) by hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or a watering can or bucket filled either by a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or directly from the tap, at any time.

Vehicles

Water must not be used to clean any part of a vehicle other than its windows, mirrors and lights, and for spot removing corrosive substances, and then only with a bucket filled directly from a tap (and not by means of a hose).

Commercial Car Wash

A commercial car wash must not use water to clean any part of a vehicle other than its windows, mirrors and lights, and for spot removing corrosive substances, and then only with a bucket filled directly from a tap (and not by means of a hose).

Motor Vehicle Dealer

Water must not be used to clean any part of a vehicle in a motor vehicle dealership other than its windows, mirrors and lights, and for spot removing corrosive substances, and then only by means of a bucket filled directly from a tap (and not by means of a hose).

Food Transport Vehicle

Water must not be used to clean inside a food transport vehicle except by means of;

• a high pressure water cleaning device; or
• a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, and only if such cleaning is necessary, either to avoid contamination of the vehicle’s contents or to ensure public safety.

Boat Motors

Water must not be used to flush the inboard or outboard motor of a vessel unless:

• a suitable receptacle filled by a hand-held hose is used or;
• a flushing device, connected to a hose is used, and the tap is turned off immediately after flushing is complete.

Hard Surface

Water must not be used to clean a hard surface unless cleaning is required as a result of:

• an accident, fire, health hazard, safety hazard or other emergency, and a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle is used.

Building Facade (including windows)

Water must not be used to clean a building façade unless cleaning is required as a result of:

a) an accident, fire, health hazard, safety hazard or other emergency, and either:

• a bucket, filled either by a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or directly from a tap is used; or
• a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle is used.

Dust Suppression

Water must not be used to suppress dust, unless dust is causing a health or environmental hazard; and then only by means of:

• a water tanker permitted in accordance with item 11; or
• a hand-held hose, fitted with a trigger nozzle, or by a watering can, filled either by a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or directly from a tap.

Construction

Water must not be used in construction except:

• by means of a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or by a bucket or other container, filled either by a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or directly from a tap; or
• by construction equipment which requires a water supply for its safe and efficient operation.

Animal Husbandry

Water must not be used for animal husbandry except for:

• drinking by animals or birds;
• cleaning of animals or birds;
• cleaning pens, yards and cages, and then only if cleaning is done by means of a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle.

Commercial Poultry Farm

Water must not be used for cooling a shed on a commercial poultry farm except by means of:

• sprinklers used only for cooling and then only when the inside temperature reaches 30 oC and between the hours of 6am and 9pm; and
• fogging systems and cooling pads, which may be used at any time.

Other Purposes

Water must not be used for any other purpose without the prior written permission of North East Water.

A reference to an item is to an item in the Table.
In this By-law, unless inconsistent with the subject matter or context:

“The Act”

Refers to the Victorian Water Act 1989 and any Act amending the same.

“Alternate Days”

Means a system for designating days of water use or days upon which water use may commence, such that –

a) in the case of a property with an odd street number, each odd numbered day of any month; and

b) in the case of a property:

• with an even street number; or
• without a street number,

each even numbered day of any month; and

c) in the case of any property, the 31 st day of any month

“Animal Husbandry”

As used in item 22, includes keeping, raising or breeding or any animals or birds either:

• for commercial purposes; or
• on such a scale, or in such a manner, as North East Water considers to be comparable to a commercial undertaking.

“Approved Watering System”

Means an automatic watering system, approved in writing by the North East Water, designed to conserve water by use of:

• rain or soil moisture sensors; or
• time controllers; or
• sprinkler, sprays, fixed flow drips or any other device rated to yield less than North East Water ’s approved Litres/Hour/Metre for a linear watering device or Litres/Hour/Metre squared for an area watering device; or
• any combination of the above.

“Automatic Watering System”

Means a watering system capable of being set to turn on and off automatically, at pre-determined times, without human intervention.

“Building Façade or Window”

As used in item 19, means all external surfaces of, or attached to, a building including, any roof, wall, window or blind of that building.

“Commercial Car Wash”

Means any commercial facility for washing vehicles.

“Commercial Market Garden or Commercial or Council Plant Nursery”

As used in item 12, means land used wholly or primarily to grow vegetation or produce, either:

• for sale or distribution for profit; or
• for Council use.

“ Commercial Poultry Building”

Means any building in which eggs are produced or poultry is grown for profit.

“Construction”

As used in item 21, includes the erecting, altering, demolishing or removing any building, structure or civil engineering or other work, and any associated on-site or off-site activity.

“Dam and Tank”

As used in item 10, means a container for holding water other than that owned and operated by North East Water, which is not a pond or lake, referred to in item 4.

“Dripper Watering System”

Means either an automatic watering system or a manual watering system, as the case requires, which drips water on, or near to, the root zone of plants, by drippers at a fixed rate of flow, not exceeding 9 litres per hour for every linear metre of the watering system.

“Exempted Playing Surface”

As used in item 3, includes:

a) a turf cricket wicket or practice wicket for cricket; or

b) a lawn or other type of running track; and

c) a grass, en tous cas or other type of tennis court other than concrete, bitumen or asphalt tennis court; and

d) a hockey pitch, bowling or croquet green;

e) a golfing tee or green (but not including approaches) at a sporting facility:

• for public, commercial or general community use; or
• associated with a university, school or other educational institution, and

f) further includes a soft-fall area at a child care facility,

but does not include any part of a sporting facility associated with a private club or similar community organisation.

“Existing”

Means existing at the time when the prevailing stage of restriction was declared.

“Fill”

In relation to items 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 11, means adding any water to the existing volume, if the relevant receptacle is less than 75% full.

“Fountain or Water Feature”

As used in item 5, includes any indoor or outdoor ornamental fountain or water feature and, except in relation to Stage 4 restrictions, with a volume:

• of up to 500 litres, that projects water for more than 20 centimetres above the outlet of that water; or
• of more than 500 litres.

“Garden”

Means any land upon which vegetation of any kind other than lawn grows or is cultivated for other than commercial purposes.

Refer also to definition for ‘Lawn’.

“North East Water Supply District”

Means the following districts;

“Hand-held Hose”

Means a hose that is held by hand, when it is used, which:

• in the case of commercial and construction activities, has an internal diameter of no more than 50mm; or
• in the case of any other activities, has an internal diameter of no more than 25mm.

“Hard Surface”

As used in item 18, includes any courtyard, decking, footpath, driveway or other area, with a concrete, asphalt, brick, tile, bitumen, timber or similar impervious surface.

“High Pressure Water Cleaning Device”

Means a machine which has a pump to increase the pressure of the water delivered from a trigger nozzle, forming part of the device.

“Lawn”

Means any area, grassed or sown with grass seed.

Refer also to Definition for ‘Garden’

“Manual Watering System”

Means:

a) a watering system which is not an automatic watering system; or

b) an automatic watering system, operated manually, rather than automatically.

that is, a system that requires human intervention to be turned on or off.

“Mobile Spa”

Includes any spa that is capable of being moved for use in different locations.

“Municipal Swimming Pool or Spa”

As used in item 7, means a swimming pool or spa, of 500 litres or more, for public use, which is operated by, or on behalf of, a public authority.

“Non-Exempted Playing Surface”

Means that part of a sportsground used as a playing area during a sport, game or competition, which does not form part of an exempted playing surface. This includes the grassed surface of a sporting oval and a golf fairway.

“Other Purposes”

As used in item 24, means any purpose for which water may be used outside a building, which is not a purpose otherwise referred to in the Schedule.

“Penalty Unit”

Means a fine or other monetary penalty and refers to an amount payable under the Monetary Units Act 2004.

“Pond and Lake”

As used in item 4, includes any collection of water for ornamental or urban drainage retention purposes, but does not include a fountain or water feature referred to in item 5.

“Public Authority”

Means any body:

• constituted by or under an Act; or
• exercising powers under an Act;

for a public purpose and includes a Council under the Local Government Act 1989.

“ Public Garden or Lawns”

As used in item 2, includes:

• any garden, lawn, plantation, park, reserve or other area, used for public recreation or amenity; and
• any cemetery, crematorium, central road area or roundabout under the management or control of a public authority.

But does not include:

• any residential or commercial gardens or lawn, referred to in item 1; or
• any sportsground referred to in item 3; or
• any nature strip.

“Residential or Commercial Garden or Lawn”

As used in item 1, includes any garden or lawn associated with any residential, commercial or industrial premises and, for example, any;

• dwelling;
• commercial or industrial building;
• hospital or nursing home;
• sporting club;
• day-care centre, kindergarten, school, university or research institute,

and also includes any adjacent nature strip in an adjoining road.

Refer also to definitions of ‘Garden’, ‘Lawn’, ‘Sportsgrounds’, and ‘Exempted Playing Surfaces’.

“Residential or Commercial Swimming Pool or Spa”

As used in item 6, means a swimming pool or spa, operated for private use or commercial purposes, or in conjunction with any commercial premises (including any hotel), other than a municipal pool or spa referred to in item 7.

“Sportsgrounds”

As used in item 3, means any land used or capable of being used, for any organised sport or recreation.

“Stage”

Means one of the four stages, numbered 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively, set out in this By-law or Drought Response Plan which each designate a particular level of water restriction.

“Top Up”

In relation to items 4, 5, 6, 7, 10 and 11, means adding any water to the existing volume, if the relevant receptacle is at least 75% full.

“Trigger Nozzle”

Means a nozzle controlled by:

• a trigger which must be depressed continuously, or locked in the "on" position, by hand for water to flow; or
• a discrete switch, which can be turned off or on by hand, with a single movement.

“Vehicle”

Includes boat, aircraft, and any other vehicle whatsoever, however it is propelled or moved.

“Water”

For the purpose of this By-law, means water supplied by works of North East Water, but does not include recycled or re-claimed water.

“Water Conservation Plan”

Means an agreement formed between North East Water and a North East Water approved water user that identifies target water savings in exchange for exemptions using an approved watering system or methods.

“Water Supply System”

Means North East Water ’s infrastructure associated with the provision of water to North East Water customers.

“Water Toy”

As used in item 9, means any toy that is operated by running water supplied through a hose.

Key:  Public   Mild (1)   Medium (2)   High (3)   Critical (4)

Return to Top

General Enquiries:
Account Enquiries: 
Emergencies:

1300 361 622
1300 361 633
1300 361 644