All towns in the Western Water Region are currently on Stage 3a water restrictions.

Under Stage 3a, garden-bed watering can continue two days a week - but only for two hours in the morning between 6:00am and 8:00am on specified days. There is no evening watering.

  • Properties with an even street number or no street number may water on Saturday and Tuesday.
  • Properties with an odd street number may water on Sunday and Wednesday.

Under Stage 3a restrictions, people aged 70 years and over are able to water gardens manually between 8.00am and 10.00am on their specified watering days, instead of the earlier time of 6.00am to 8.00am. No exemption is required.

Staged water restrictions (Stages 1-4) are activated when water storages fall below specified levels, generally as a result of prolonged periods of below average rainfall or drought. They are temporary restrictions designed to achieve significant water savings over a short period of time.

Why hasn't Melbourne entered into Stage 4 restrictions?
Stage 3a water restrictions, in conjunction with Target 155, is achieving water savings almost equivalent to that expected under Stage 4. Stage 3a minimises the impact on industries affected by water restrictions, protects jobs and importantly, allows community activities such as sport to continue. It also allows households to maintain some garden around their homes.

More Information
Stage 3a Fact Sheet
Offences & penalties - July 2009
Stage 3a water restrictions FAQs


Exemption Applications
You may apply for an exemption, if you believe you will be adversely affected by the stage of restriction that applies to your property.

A new pool or spa of any capacity must not be filled and will not receive an exemption unless the purchase contract was signed prior to 17 November 2006.

Water Restrictions Exemption Request
Water Restrictions Exemption for Filling Pools and Spas


Water Conservation
Here are some useful tips that you can use around the home, garden or workplace:

  • Cut at least one minute from every shower you take and save up to 140 litres of water each week. 
  • Turning off the tap while you brush your teeth can save five litres of water each time. 
  • Install a dual-flush toilet - they only use three to six litres of water per flush, compared to older 11 litre single-flush toilets. 
  • Wait until you have a full load of washing before starting the machine.
  • Remember to put the plug in the sink when you wash your hands, vegetables or dishes. A running kitchen tap can use nine litres of water per minute. 
  • When buying a new appliance, check its water usage rating. By choosing a water efficient model, you could save a substantial amount of water, as well as money, over the life of the machine. 
  • Put your pot plants in a bucket or a sink full of water. Leave them for a few minutes to allow the water to fully soak in and push out air trapped in the soil.
  • Wash your recyclable cartons, glass and cans in used dishwater or in a bucket with other recyclables.
  • Remove weeds regularly as they compete for water in the garden. Once removed, a good mulch (compost, woodchips, pebbles etc) will help to keep them away.
  • When purchasing new plants, consider how much water they require to grow - many native Australian plants have low watering needs.
  • Set up an effective irrigation system - this can cave up to 46,000 litres of water - in your garden alone - each year.

See how easy it is to reduce the amount of water you use!

Further Information 
For more tips on how to save water click on the links below:

Fact Sheets

Rebates

www.savewater.com.au

Water Restriction By-Law 08/01

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