Exemptions
What you need to know:
Customers who can demonstrate that they would suffer serious detriment from the application of Stage 3 Water Restrictions may apply to ACTEW for an exemption.
If you intend to apply for an exemption, you should apply and wait for ACTEW’s response before any financial commitment is made.
All exemption requests must be made online or in writing and must outline the reasons why the exemption is sought. In particular, applicants should state what serious detriment is claimed will be incurred if the application is not granted and the dates during which water is proposed to be used otherwise than in accordance with Stage 3 Water Restrictions. Where necessary, additional documentation such as supporting letters should be included with your initial letter to support your claim. ACTEW may require a medical proforma to be completed by your medical practitioner. This form can be obtained by contacting ACTEW’s Water Conservation Office.
Without limiting the grounds on which ACTEW might grant an exemption or partial exemption, applications may be granted where there is a compelling health or public hygiene reason or where restrictions would be likely to cause disproportionate or unintended financial damage to the applicant.
ACTEW only grants exemptions in writing.
Exemptions held in previous stages of water restrictions will need to be reapplied for. Unless revoked or stated to end earlier, exemptions expire once the current Stage 3 Water Restrictions are revoked.
Please be aware that some General Exemptions* currently apply. Refer to the Stage 3 Water Restrictions guidelines page for more information.
*General Exemption: means exemptions issued to the whole community without the need to apply.
Exemption requests must be submitted online or:
in writing to:
Water Conservation Office
GPO Box 366
Canberra ACT 2601
or by fax to: 02 6248 3567
For further information, please contact the ACTEW Water Conservation Office during business hours on 6248 3131.
Queanbeyan residents seeking exemption should contact the Queanbeyan City Council on 6298 0233.