NSW Government - Sydney Water - Water Restrictions

Level 1 water restrictions will start in Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Illawarra from 1 June 2019.

The restrictions have been introduced by the NSW Government to protect Sydney’s water supply from drought conditions.

Under the Level 1 water restrictions residents and businesses are not able to:

• use standard sprinklers and watering systems at any time
• leave hoses running unattended
• wash vehicles and buildings with a hose that isn’t fitted with a trigger nozzle or high pressure cleaning equipment
• clean hard surfaces such as paths, driveways and paved areas with a hose as part of general clean.

Water restrictions are enforceable and penalties apply. Fines of $220 will apply to individuals and $550 for businesses who don’t follow the restrictions. There will be a three-month grace period before fines apply. Fines will not be issued until after 1 September 2019.

Exemptions will be available for non-residential customers with outdoor water use as their core business.

Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said Sydney is seeing some of the lowest inflows into its dams since the 1940s.

“The Bureau of Meteorology’s latest forecast is predicting below-average rainfall and higher temperatures for June to August, which are key drivers of stronger water demand,” Mrs Pavey said.

“Regional NSW has been experiencing a record drought. Water restrictions in Sydney mean that households across NSW are doing their bit to conserve water.”

Sydney Water:

Level 1 water restrictions are now in place

More than 85% of Greater Sydney’s water supply relies on rain. This means that our water is in short supply during prolonged droughts. 

Water restrictions limit how and when we use drinking water  outdoors and help reduce demand when we’re not getting enough rain.

Water restrictions apply to everyone in Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Illawarra. This includes both residents and businesses.  

If we all do our bit and save a little, it will make a big difference across Greater Sydney.

What's allowed under Level 1 water restrictions?

	What can you do?	What can't you do?
Watering lawns & gardens	You can: water lawns and gardens with a watering can or bucket water lawns and gardens by hand held hose before 10 am or after 4 pm, as long as your hose is fitted with a trigger nozzle water your garden with drip irrigation systems  water lawns and gardens with watering systems with one or more of these features: automated weather adjustment rain sensor soil moisture sensor water new turf for one week after it's delivered as long as you follow the instructions provided by the turf supplier	You can't: use standard sprinklers and watering systems at any time leave hoses and taps running unattended