Preparing for Stage 4 Water Restrictions

Stage 4 Water Restrictions will be needed if the ACT's water storage levels fall to the low thirties (%). Stage 4 Restrictions were first foreshadowed in early 2007 due to record low dam levels but were able to be avoided because of water saving efforts made by the community and ACTEW's extraction of water from the Murrumbidgee River to supplement supply.

Stage 4 Water Restrictions may be required in the next few years before the water security major projects are completed if rainfall and dam inflows deteriorate.

Why we may need Stage 4

Like much of Australia, the ACT has been experiencing drought conditions and a severe decline in inflows for several years.

Stage 3 Water Restrictions currently apply.

ACTEW continues to monitor dam levels, water consumption, rainfall and forecasts and notify the community of changes to restriction levels as they are required.

Industry consultation

Since Stage 4 was first foreshadowed, ACTEW has been consulting with industry groups that rely on outside use of water to prepare them should Stage 4 be required in future. These groups are: car wash, childcare facilities, cleaning industry (windows and buildings), construction industry, golf courses, irrigation, landscaping, motor industry (retail, service, repair), nurseries, pool industry (retail, servicing, construction) and turf industry.

Representatives of peak industry bodies and individual business owners continue to work with ACTEW's Water Conservation Office to proactively plan for Stage 4 and develop exemption policies to maintain core business activities and preserve jobs while still making significant water savings.

If your business or industry is affected by the restrictions, contact ACTEW's Water Conservation Office to ensure you are aware of what the Stage 4 conditions will mean for you.