Domestic gardens and lawns - watering times

Dripper systems and hand-held hoses fitted with a trigger nozzle can be used for a maximum of 7 hours a week between the hours of 7-10am or 4-7pm on any day.

Watering cans and buckets can be used on any day/time. Sprinklers and other watering systems remain banned.

Currently watering times remain unchanged for people with a permit who are unable to adhere to restrictions due to age or disability.

If you're having difficulty adhering to water restrictions due to age or disability download a permit application.

Click here to read the media release for more details.

Hard surfaces

• Water must not be used to wash paved or concreted areas, decking, walls or roofs of a building at any time unless it is necessary to do so to protect public health, ensure safety of people using the area, ensure the health and welfare of animals using the area or in case of accident, fire or other emergency
• Windows may be cleaned from a bucket filled directly from a tap.

Fountains, ponds and water features

• A fountain, pond or water feature that doesn’t recycle water must not be operated and must not be topped up unless it supports fish
• The level of water in a fountain, pond or water feature that recycles water may be topped up only with water from a hand held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle or bucket
• Fountains, ponds and water features must not be refilled after emptying

Swimming pools and spas

• New pools or spas may be filled only under the authority of a permit from SA Water.  A permit will not be granted unless there is proof a cover has been purchased to prevent water loss through evaporation
• A permit is required to refill an existing pool or spa if it has been drained completely or more than half
• The level of water in a swimming pool or spa that has been previously filled with water may be topped up or maintained only with water from a hand held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle or bucket
• Children's wading pools must not be filled with more than 250 litres of water

Can I water my lawn or verge?
The restrictions allow watering of any part of your garden - as long as the watering takes place as per the watering times and via the allowed methods.

Is water use inside my house or business restricted?
No, only water use outside is covered by the restrictions. However, SA Water encourages wise use of water at all times, indoors and out. Find out how you can save water inside your home,

Can I clean out the gutters on my house using water?
The cleaning of gutters is not covered by the restrictions. However, SA Water encourages dry methods to remove debris where practicable and safe.

Can dog kennels continue to be washed out with water?
As cleaning is required for health reasons this activity is exempt from restrictions.

I live withing the Lead Dust Zone in Port Pirie, can I hose off the lead dust from my property? What about sprinklers?
Residents living in the City of Port Pirie can hose off dust from paths and roofs using a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle at any time. This is an exemption under the current  level 3 enhanced water restrictions. Residents within this zone also have an additional watering time to assist with dust suppression on gardens and lawns.
 
Sprinklers may be used to  :

• Even numbered properties on Tuesday and Saturday between 7-10am and/or 4-7pm
• Odd numbered properties on Wednesday and Sunday between 7-10am and/or 4-7pm

Hand held hoses fitted with a trigger nozzle may be used on any day for garden watering between 8pm and 8am and watering cans and buckets can be used at anytime.

Outside of this exemption level 3 enhanced restrictions continue to apply.


Existing permits for age or disability will continue and all other restrictions relating to nurseries, car washing, pools, spas, fountains and ponds remain the same.


There are no restrictions on the use of water from rainwater tanks and the temporary bucketing and hosing of greywater will continue to be permitted in line with the requirements of the SA Health.

I live within the Iron Oxide Fallout Zone in Whyalla, can I hose off the dust from my property? What about sprinklers? 
Residents living in the affected area of Whyalla located between Playford Avenue and the sea (see map) are permitted to hose off dust from paths and roofs using a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle at any time.

Residents within this zone also have an additional sprinkler watering time and sprinklers may be used to water outdoor trees, shrubs, plants and lawns in accordance with the following:

• Even numbered properties on Tuesday and Saturday between 7-10am and/or 4-7pm
• Odd numbered properties on Wednesday and Sunday between 7-10am and/or 4-7pm

Hand held hoses fitted with a trigger nozzle may be used on any day for garden watering between 8pm and 8am and watering cans and buckets can be used at anytime.

The rest of the City of Whyalla is subject to Level 3 enhanced water restrictions.

Existing permits for age or disability will continue and all other restrictions relating to nurseries, car washing, pools, spas, fountains and ponds remain the same.

There are no restrictions on the use of water from rainwater tanks and the temporary bucketing and hosing of greywater will continue to be permitted in line with the requirements of the SA Health. 

Can I wash down areas for health requirements and legal compliance?
Yes, activities carried out to comply with health and legal requirements are not covered by restrictions and do not require a permit. However, SA Water encourages minimum water use in these circumstances.

I live in Mawson Lakes where recycled water is available for outdoor use.  Is this water restricted?

The use of recycled water continues to come under Permanent Water Conservation Measures, including that delivered to Mawson Lakes residents.

Although the current Level 3 Enhanced Water Restrictions do not apply to the use of recycled water, they still apply to the use of mains water supply at Mawson Lakes. Sensible water use is encouraged at all times.

SA Water will issue an Expiation Notice of $345 ($315 Fine + $30 Victims of Crime Levy) for identified breaches of the Permanent Water Conservation Measures. For serious and ongoing breaches individuals could be fined up to $5,000 and up to $10,000 for corporations. View more details on Permanent Water Conservation Measures.

Can children use water toys (eg water pistols, balloons) for outdoor games?
There is no restriction on this kind of activity. However, we ask people to please be wise with their water use and put some limits on water games.

Can children play under sprinklers?
While the water restrictions are in place there is to be no use of sprinklers for any reason.

How does SA Water define a drip irrigation system?
Drip-feed irrigation system - irrigation system (including a micro-spray system) that delivers water to plants in drops or other small quantities by means of underground or surface pipes or tubes.

Micro-spray system - irrigation system that delivers water through water-misting spray heads at a flow rate of not more than 0.5 litres of water per minute per outlet.


SA Water considers that drip irrigation systems include:

• Irrigation systems using drippers which efficiently deliver a measured quantity of water for each plant
• Buried micro-porous soaker hoses
• Micromist sprays (please use in sheltered areas only).

(Please note: - above ground soaker hoses with punched holes are considered as long sprinklers and are not considered as a dripper).

Can I water with micro-sprays?
Under the current restrictions micro-spray systems (as with drip irrigation systems) can be used during your allocated day/times.

Is there any support available or exemptions for seniors who are having genuine difficulty adhering to the watering times under restrictions?
Yes, some people may be entitled to an exemption from the restrictions on health and safety grounds. Please contact the Water Restrictions Hotline on 1800 130 952.