Permanent Water Conservation Measures
Permanent Water Conservation Measures apply in the ACT at all times when Temporary Water Restrictions [
PDF 86k] are not in force. Currently though, Stage 3 Water Restrictions apply.
Permanent Water Conservation Measures were first introduced on 31 March 2006 after a trial with the Canberra community.
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Gardens and lawns
* Applies when temporary water restrictions are not in place
- Private gardens and lawns (other than at commercial nurseries, market gardens or turf-growing businesses)
- Lawns and plants at parks, sports amenities, golf courses and public gardens.
At all times gardens, lawns and plants may only be watered without causing pooling or runoff.
Watering systems
Spring, summer, autumn (1 September - 31 May)
Sprinkler and other irrigation systems can be used to water lawns and plants only between 6pm and 9am on any day.
Winter (1 June - 31 August)
No limitation in winter.
Hand watering
A hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, a bucket or a watering can may be used at any time.
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Paved areas
* Applies when temporary water restrictions are not in place
A bucket and mop or a high-pressure low-volume cleaner can be used to clean paved areas at any time.
Otherwise, water must not be used to clean paved areas unless cleaning is necessary as a result of accident, fire, health hazard or other emergency.
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Vehicles
* Applies when temporary water restrictions are not in place
If not washed at a commercial car wash, any vehicle should be washed on a lawn or other porous surface wherever practicable and then may only be washed by using:
- a bucket or watering can;
- a high-pressure low-volume cleaner; or
- a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle
Boat motors may be flushed or rinsed after use. |
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Windows and buildings
* Applies when temporary water restrictions are not in place
Windows may be washed or gutters cleaned at any time.
Other parts of a building may be washed at any time by using a bucket and mop/brush or a high-pressure low-volume cleaner, unless cleaning is necessary as a result of accident, fire, health hazard or other emergency.
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Construction and related activities
* Applies when temporary water restrictions are not in place
Water can only be used for dust or other pollutant suppression by means of a hose fitted with a flow cut-off device or a vehicle fitted with sprinklers.
Unless impractical, water may only otherwise be used by means of a hose fitted with a flow cut-off device.
Wherever practicable non-potable water should be used. |
Download the scheme of Permanent Water Conservation Measures [ PDF 30k]
Minister's approval of water conservation measures [ PDF 152k]
Following extensive community consultation [ PDF 625k], the Permanent Water Conservation Measures were introduced on an ongoing basis to help our community meet the water saving targets set out in the long-term water resource strategy Think water, act water.
ACTEW thanks Canberrans for contributing to the process of finalising the Permanent Water Conservation Measures by participating in the community consultation program, which ended on 31 January 2006.
To find out more or book a briefing for your community group, call the Water Conservation Office on 6248 3131.
To speak to someone in a language other than English please telephone the Telephone Interpreter Service (TIS) 13 14 50.