Exemptions

What you need to know

Customers who can demonstrate that they would suffer serious detriment from the application of Permanent Water Conservation Measures 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 Permanent Water Conservation Measures. 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 Permanent Water Conservation Measures would be likely to cause disproportionate or unintended financial damage to the applicant.

All exemptions granted are valid only for the period specified in the exemption notice. ACTEW will specify any exemption conditions in the approval notice.

In considering exemption applications, ACTEW will, wherever possible:

  • not permit watering between the hours of 11am and 5pm during spring, summer and autumn;
  • assess listed water saving strategies.

All exemption notices must be displayed at the premises and clearly visible from adjoining roads and footpaths.

ACTEW reserves the right to:

  • inspect properties to audit compliance with exemption conditions;
  • revoke or suspend an exemption if water use contravenes exemption conditions; or
  • revoke or suspend an exemption if information provided in support of an exemption application is found to be false or misleading.

Additionally, ACTEW may, by notice published in the Canberra Times or broadcast on local television or radio, revoke or suspend all exemptions. Unless revoked or stated to end earlier, exemptions expire once the current stage of restrictions is revoked. You will need to reapply for exemptions held in previous stages of water restrictions.

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.