All around our State, householders and businesses have made huge efforts to conserve precious water. Because of this, as well as plentiful rains across most of Australia, water restrictions were eased from 1 December 2010 and Water Wise Measures came into place.

Areas previously subject to Permanent Water Conservation Measures including the State’s South East and Kangaroo Island are also covered by Water Wise Measures. The measures also apply to customers in Whyalla and Port Pirie.

Penalties continue to apply for non-compliance.  See a map of areas covered.

Domestic gardens and lawns
Watering is permitted at any time by hand (through a hand held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, from a watering can or bucket) or through a drip feed irrigation system. Sprinklers can be used on any day after 5.00pm and before 10.00am. Children can play under the sprinkler or use water toys that attach to a hose at any time of the day as long as the sprinkler or toy is located on a grassed area or garden and is turned off when children are not playing under it.

Washing cars and boats
Water can be used to wash motor vehicles or a boat provided the water is applied:

• from a bucket or watering can
• by a high pressure, low volume water cleaner
• from a hand held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle
• at a commercial car wash.

Driveways, paths, verandas and entertaining areas
The hosing down of external paved areas with water is permitted with a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle OR a high pressure, low volume water cleaner only to:

• protect public health
• ensure the safety of people using the area
• ensure the health and welfare of animals using the area
• deal with fire, accident or other emergency.

Swimming pools
New pools can be filled with a permit from SA Water. Before a permit is issued, we require proof of purchase of an approved pool cover.

Construction sites
Water can be used for dust suppression and compaction when it is applied from:

• a hand held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle
• directly from a motor vehicle designed and approved to carry/deposit water.

Sports grounds and recreational facilities
Sports grounds and recreational facilities can be watered under an Irrigation of Public Open Space (IPOS) permit as negotiated with SA Water. Penalties continue to apply for non-compliance. For more information, telephone the Water Wise Hotline 1800 130 952.