All towns in the Western Water Region are currently under Stage 3a water restrictions.
Under Stage 3a, a lawn area must NOT be watered at any time.
Council garden areas may be watered as follows:a manual dripper system may be used between 6:00am-10:00am and 8:00pm- midnight on the days permitted below*
- an automatic dripper system may be used between midnight and 8:00am on the days permitted below *
- a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle may be used between 6:00am-10:00am on the days permitted below *
- a watering can or bucket filled either by a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle or directly from a tap may be used between 6:00am - 10:00am on the days permitted below *.
Specified sporting surfaces - e.g. cricket wickets, golf and bowling greens, may be watered in accordance with the rules above.
Watering of public gardens and lawns may only occur in accordance with an approved Western Water Water Conservation Plan.
*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.
More Information
Stage 3a Restrictions Fact Sheet
Offences & penalties - July 2009
Stage 3a water restrictions FAQs
Are mobile carwashes allowed to operate under Stage 3a water restrictions?
Yes, the water businesses (City West Water, South East Water, Western Water and Yarra Valley Water) have worked together on a process to review and approve the operation of mobile car washes if they meet the water use requirements that all water efficient car washes must operate within. Any car wash that has been approved by a local water business will have documentation to confirm this and should be able to produce upon request.
If a mobile carwash meets these requirements, then they may operate in any of the water business' service areas at suitable sites including car dealerships, businesses and residences.
Exemption Applications
Customers may request an exemption to water restrictions, if they believe they will be adversely affected by the stage of restriction that applies to their property.
Water Restrictions Exemption Request
Water Carter/Hydrant permit
To obtain a Water Carter/Hydrant Permit please complete the attached application form, and submit to:
Western Water
PO Box 2371
Sunbury DC, VIC 3429
Or fax to: 03 9218 5444
Optional Water Conservation Plan for Tennis Clubs
A new Water Conservation Plan (WCP) for Stage 3 and 3a restrictions has been developed in consultation with the metropolitan water retailers and Tennis Victoria.
Red porous courts can require a significant amount of water to maintain them in a safe playing condition. An innovative solution has been developed to reduce water consumption of courts without compromising playing quality. This involves treating the court surface with a hygroscopic chemical, the most readily available being calcium chloride or magnesium chloride. These chemicals work by absorbing water from the atmosphere and/or by retaining small quantities of water applied to the court. This keeps the court surface moist and reduces the need for watering.
More Information
Exempt Playing Surfaces Water Conservation Plan
Exempt Playing Surfaces Fact Sheet
Uniform Drought Water Restrictions
The Minister for Water endorsed requirements for Uniform Drought Water Restrictions across Victoria.
Western Water's Water Restriction By-Law can be downloaded from this page:
These 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.
Information outlining Stage 4 restrictions will be published if these restrictions come into effect.
More Information
Water Restriction By-Law 08/01
Commercial Carwash Water Conservation Plan
Commercial Vehicle Washing Fact Sheet
Expression of Interest Water Allocations for Sportsgrounds
Exempt Playing Surfaces Factsheet
Sportsgrounds Water Conservation Plan
Exemption Request Pools and Spas