Permanent Water Saving Rules
Permanent Water Saving Rules are in place across Victoria to help all Victorians maintain a common-sense approach to water use. The rules are in force permanently and are separate from any other water restrictions South Gippsland Water may need to impose from time to time.
| Use | Rule |
| Hand-held hose | Water from a hand-held hose must not be used for any purpose (whether or not the use is subject to a permanent water saving rule) at any time unless the hose: – is fitted with a trigger nozzle; and – is leak-free. |
| Residential or commercial gardens and lawns | Water from a hand-held hose must not be used for any purpose (whether or not the use is subject to a permanent water saving rule) at any time unless the hose: – is fitted with a trigger nozzle; and – is leak-free.- by means of a watering system fitted with a rain or soil moisture sensor between the hours of 6 pm ‑10 am on any day; or – in accordance with an approved Water Use Plan. |
| Public gardens and lawns and playing surfaces | A public garden or lawn area or a playing surface cannot be watered except: – with a hand-held hose, bucket or watering can at any time; or – by means of a watering system fitted with a rain or soil moisture sensor between the hours of 6 pm ‑10 am on any day; or – in accordance with an approved Water Use Plan. |
| Fountains and water features | Water cannot be used in a fountain or a water feature unless the fountain or water feature recirculates the water. |
| Cleaning of hard surfaces | Water cannot be used to clean hard surfaces(including, driveways, paths, concrete, tiles, timber decking) except: – where cleaning is required as a result of an accident, fire, health hazard, safety hazard or other emergency; or – if staining to the surface has developed and then only once a season; or – in the course of construction or renovation, and then only by means of: – a high pressure water cleaning device; – or if such a device is not available, a hand-held hose or a bucket. |
The Permanent Water Saving Rules do not apply to the use of:
- Recycled or reclaimed water;
- greywater;
- stormwater; or
- rainwater collected in a storage tank provided it is not supplemented by water supplied by South Gippsland Water or another water corporation.
SGW’s Permanent Water Saving Plan
Permanent Water Saving Plan Individual Exemptions
Under the Permanent Water Saving Plan, South Gippsland Water has, under certain conditions, the ability to grant exemptions other than the general exemptions above.
For information regarding the circumstances in which individual exemptions may be granted, please contact us or complete the relevant exemption application form.