Water
Newcastle Water Restrictions and What They Mean for You
Water restrictions are put into effect when the water supply for a certain area falls below average. Water restrictions usually only apply during summer and spring, however, level 1 water restrictions across Newcastle and the Hunter have been replaced with a permanent water conservation measure called Smart Water Choices.
Everything You Need to Know About Newcastle and Hunter Water Restrictions
While we now have mandatory water-saving measurements in place, we are still at risk of having tighter water restrictions. To prepare for this, we can familiarise ourselves with what water restriction levels are.
Level 1 Water Restrictions
Water restrictions at this level mean all hand-held hoses must have a trigger nozzle with an instant on-off mechanism attached, watering gardens is only permitted before 10 am or after 4 pm. Watering with a sprinkler or irrigation system during these times is also allowed. However, hosing hard surfaces such as driveways is not.
Level 2 Water Restrictions
Water restrictions at this level mean you can only water your garden before 10 am or after 4 pm with either a hand-held trigger nozzle hose, non-fixed sprinkler, drip system, micro-sprayer or soaker hose. You can only wash vehicles with a bucket and rinse with a trigger nozzle hose. Existing pools and spas can only be topped up if water has evaporated, using no more than 15 minutes of running water a day. Newly set up pools and spas require a council permit if they exceed 500 litres.
Level 3 Water Restrictions
Water restrictions at this level mean hand-held hoses with a trigger nozzle attached can only be used to water your garden for 30 minutes a day before 10 am or after 4 pm.
- Sprinklers, sprayers and irrigation systems are prohibited
- Only wash vehicles on the lawn with a bucket and sponge
- Pool covers must be used
- Existing pools can be topped up with a nozzle-controlled hose for 15 minutes a day
- Only use the washing machine for full loads
A council permit is required if you’re installing a rainwater tank that cannot be switched to the treated water supply. Rainwater, greywater and recycled water can be used.
Level 4 Water Restrictions
Water restrictions at this level mean almost all outdoor water use is prohibited. You can only water your garden with a hand-held trigger nozzle hose for 30 minutes two days a week. The same restrictions for washing vehicles and topping up pools at level 3 apply. Showers should be limited to 5 minutes per person, one bath per day. Only use the washing machine for full loads. Air conditioners can only be used from 7 am to midnight. Use of rainwater, greywater and recycled water is allowed only if your rainwater tank has been approved by council.
Level 5 Water Restrictions
Water restrictions at this level mean the water storage supply is critical and all outdoor water use is prohibited. This includes watering your garden with anything other than a bucket or watering can, washing vehicles, washing hard surfaces and topping up pools. Showers should be limited to 3 minutes per person, one shallow bath per day. The same restrictions for washing machines and air conditioners at level 4 apply.
As Australia is the driest continent on earth, we have permanent water conservation measures in place. These simple, everyday water-saving measures introduced by Hunter Water will help us preserve one of our most precious resources through the warmer months.
Making Smart Water Choices
As 40 percent of household water usage happens in our bathrooms, we need to think about one big fact – how long are we showering for? Hunter Water suggests we could save nearly 4 million litres of water a day if everyone in the Hunter spent one less minute in the shower.
Other simple solutions for saving water around the home include:
- Using a trigger nozzle hose
- Watering before 10 am or after 4 pm
- Sweeping hard surfaces
By making these smart water choices and changing how we use water at home, we can help to save bucket loads of water and reduce the risk of tight water restrictions. To learn more on how to save water.
Important Points to Remember
- Smart Water Choices replace level 1 water restrictions
- Smart Water Choices are permanent and mandatory
- Washing vehicles is allowed under level 1-4 water restrictions
- Watering is permitted with a trigger nozzle hose
- Watering is allowed only before 10 am or after 4 pm
- Washing hard surfaces is prohibited at all times
And remember, if you need a plumber, we here at Hunter Plumbing are happy to help – book a plumber or call us on 0411 575 312. We’re available 24 hours a day, any day of the week!