Please note: this information relates to permanent water conservation measures which are only in place in some areas. Please click here to find out if you are covered by water restrictions or permanent water conservation measures.
Restrictions and Water Conservationr
Q. Why have permanent water conservation measures been imposed?
A. Water conservation measures aim to help save our precious water resources now and into the future. While restrictions can be imposed to achieve a short-term reduction in water consumption, permanent measures aim to reduce consumption in the long-term and promote water efficiency across the community.
Q. From when do these permanent water conservation measures apply?
A. Since 26th October 2003 - the first day of daylight saving.
Q. What other things are being done to address water supply problems in the long term?
A. The South Australian Government is implementing a range of water security strategies. Visit www.water.sa.gov.au or Water Proofing Adelaide for details.
Q. Why should I pay the same water supply charge that applies when permanent water conservation measures are not in place? I think I should have a reduced supply charge.
A. The water supply charge covers construction, operation and maintenance of the infrastructure - this work will continue regardless of permanent water conservation measures. However, saving water around your home will ultimately mean you spend less on water consumption.
Q. What's the River Murray Levy and how does it affect me?
A. For information on the River Murray Levy please go to the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation or by calling 1800 725 463.
Q. Can you tell me some ways to save water or what type of devices are available?
A. SA Water has the following brochures and guides to assist householders to save water. You can download a copy here or request a copy from SA Water by phoning 1300 650 950. Some water efficient devices attract a rebate.
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Micro-irrigation
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Garden Irrigation, Automatic Controllers and Timers
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Lawns and Turf
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National Water Conservation Labelling and Rating Scheme
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Smart Water Use
See SA Water's Water Conservation Tips
Q. Do the permanent water conservation measures mean that water quality is affected?
A. Permanent water conservation measures should not affect water quality.
Use of rainwater tanks
Q. Can I use water from a rainwater tank?
A. If your rainwater tank is exclusively supplied by rainwater then you can, but permanent water conservation measures apply when your tank is topped up with SA Water supply.
For further information about rainwater tanks including types, components, sizes and maintenance; please view the Department of Environment's rainwater tanks brochure.
Districts Covered by Permanent Water Conservation Measures
Q. What areas are covered by the permanent water conservation measures?
A. View a map and list of areas covered by water restrictions and permanent water conservation measures.
Q. Do these permanent water conservation measures affect Eyre Peninsula?
A. The area west of Whyalla is already on alternate water restrictions and will remain on its current level of restrictions until notified otherwise. See details on Eyre Peninsula Water Restrictions.
Q. Why is the Eyre Peninsula on a different level of water restrictions?
A. The Eyre Peninsula sources most of its water from groundwater supplies. While many of the reservoirs in other parts of the State have benefited from recent rains, the water supplies on the Peninsula remain diminished and restrictions must stay in force.
Water conservation measures - impacts on Business and Households
Q. Do permanent water conservation measures apply in high fire risk areas or during a fire emergency?
A. Permanent water conservation measures do not apply where there is a need to protect life and property from an immediate threat from fire.
Q. Is water use inside my house or business restricted?
A. Only water use outside is covered by the permanent water conservation measures. However, all South Australians are urged to adopt water efficient practices in their homes and businesses.
Q. How will permanent water conservation measures affect my business?
A. Please ensure you have read the permanent water conservation measures information contained on this site. If you still have specific questions please call the Water Restrictions Hotline on 1800 130 952.
Q. I am a business/hospital etc. and require ongoing adequate supply.
A. The health and well being of the community will not be put at risk. First read the permanent water conservation measures to determine if any of your business activities using water may not comply with the new measures, please phone the Water Restrictions Hotline on 1800 130 952.
Q. What about construction sites?
A. Water must not be used to control dust or other pollutants resulting from building works unless the water is supplied from a hand held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or directly from a motor vehicle designed to carry and deposit water.
Q. As a Caravan Park Manager, am I able to water campsites during the day?
Please note a Permit IS REQUIRED if you wish to water outside the measures
A. During daylight saving hours common areas (eg gardens, lawns) may be watered with a sprinkler any day but only before 10am and after 6pm. Other times of the year common areas are to be watered before 10am and after 5pm.
If you require a permit to water between 10am and 6pm (daylight saving hours) or other times 10am to 5pm the following conditions will apply:
October-March
Grassed sites that have been damaged by cars, caravans and tents may be watered with a sprinkler not more than half an hour on the day the area is vacated. If grassed areas are not being used then they may be watered with a sprinkler not more than once per week at any time.
April-September
Grassed sites that have been damaged by cars, caravans and tents may be watered with a sprinkler not more than once per week at anytime.
Local Councils & Schools
Q. How will these permanent water conservation measures affect Councils and Schools?
A. Councils and schools are subject to the full set of regulations, as are all SA Water customers. Permit forms are required for using water outside of the regulations.
Permits
Q. How much will a permit cost?
A. There is no charge for a permit.
Q. Where can I get a Permit Application Form?
A. Permit forms are available here or by calling the Water Restrictions Hotline on 1800 130 952.
Q. When can I expect an answer after lodging the application?
A. At this stage SA Water will endeavor to forward you a response within 10 working days.
Q. How long is the permit valid for?
A. The permit validity date will be indicated on the permit.
Non Compliance with Permanent Water Conservation Measures or Permits
Q. I have noticed people not complying with permanent water conservation measures. Can you take action against them?
A. Please provide us with the details of the perceived breach (where it has taken place, time etc) through our feedback form or use our hotline number 1800 130 952. SA Water will seek to work cooperatively with the community to encourage water efficiency and compliance with the new conservation measures. In the first instance, people found in breach of the new measures will be issued with a Warning notice reminding them of their responsibilities. However, ongoing breaches may lead to penalties.
Q. What are the penalties for non-compliance?
A. Non compliance could result in a penalty of $315. For serious and ongoing breaches individuals could be fined up to $5000 and up to $10,000 for corporations.
Q. How will permanent water conservation measures be policed?
A. SA Water staff will monitor the permanent water conservation measures. They will respond to calls from the public about breaches of the permanent water conservation measures. SA Water will leave warning notices in the first instance and conduct audits to ensure people are aware of their responsibilities.
Q. As a landlord, can I be held responsible for an infringement should a tenant fail to comply with permanent water conservation measures?
A. The person carrying out the activity will be held responsible for any non-compliance with permanent water conservation measures. If it is the tenant, he/she will first receive a warning before any infringement notice is issued.
Gardens and lawns
Q. Can I water during the day under permanent water conservation measures?
A. Only watering by hand (through a hand held hose or from a bucket or water can) or with a drip irrigation system is allowed at any time.
However sprinkler systems can be used any day but only before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. when daylight saving is in force and before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. (outside of daylight saving season)
Q. How do the permanent water conservation measures for watering with a sprinkler apply during daylight saving hours?
A. Sprinkler systems can be used any day but only before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. when daylight saving is in force.
Q. How does the permanent water conservation measures for watering with a sprinkler apply outside of daylight saving hours?
A. Sprinkler systems can be used any day but only before 10 a.m. and after 5 pm when daylight saving is not in force.
Q. How long can I operate my sprinkler system for?
A. There is no time limit at this stage for how long sprinkler systems can be operated but only before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. when daylight saving is in force and before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. at other times of the year. However, we encourage customers to use sprinklers only when absolutely necessary.
Q. What defines a drip irrigation system?
A. Drip-feed irrigation system - means an irrigation system (including a micro-jet system) that delivers water to plants in drops or other small quantities by means of underground or surface pipes or tubes.
Micro-jet system - means an 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.
* Please Note: - Above ground soaker hoses with punched holes are considered as long sprinklers and are not considered as dripper systems.
Q. I am establishing a new lawn (turf or seed), how will permanent water conservation measures affect this?
A. If you are wishing to install a new lawn the appropriate permit must be obtained for any watering which does not comply with the new measures. Forms to apply for a permit are available from turf grower, retailer or SA Water. The permit must then be registered via the Water Restrictions Hotline on 1800 130 952.
Download a permit form for a new seeded lawn permit or new instant lawn permit.
Q. Are children allowed to use sprinklers for play activity?
A. Only in accordance with the new water conservation measures i.e. sprinklers may only be used before 10am and after 5pm on any day (or when daylight saving is in force, before 10am and after 6 pm).
Q. Can we use a slip and slide or children’s toy (octopus or similar that a hose may plug into)?
A. Yes, toys are not covered by the water conservation measures, but SA Water strongly encourages wise water use in all play activities.
Sports Grounds and Recreational facilities
Q. What requirements are there of Councils?
A. Please refer to section for Local Government – Councils
Q. Do permanent water conservation measures apply to the watering of Bowling Greens and Golf Course Greens?
A. Yes, the permanent water conservation measures apply to Bowling Greens and Golf Course Greens. A permit must be sought for any watering which does not comply.
Paved Areas
Q. Can I use a steam cleaner or high pressure cleaner?
A. The use of low flow high pressure cleaners or a garden hose to clean driveways, paved areas etc is not permitted under the permanent water conservation measures. A permit must be sought for these activities. A permit is required whether you own and operate a cleaning business or are a homeowner wanting to perform these activities in and around your home.
However all restricted activities must also comply with all other relevant legislation, eg Environment Protection Agency and Department of Health legislation. The new Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy 2003 prohibits the disposal of a range of pollutants into the stormwater system. For more information on this policy visit the EPA website or phone (08) 8204 2004.
Q. Can I clean out the gutters on my house using water?
A. The cleaning of gutters is not covered by the permanent water conservation measures as this is necessary for a number of health, safety and property protection reasons. SA Water encourages dry methods to remove debris where practicable and safe.
Washing Motor Vehicles, Farm Tractors and Boats
Q. What classifies as a commercial car wash?
A. Car wash facilities with fixed infrastructure, mobile car washers. and car detailers.
Car sale yards and wash down bays for vehicle repairers and crash repairers should seek a permit for any activity which does not comply with the permanent water conservation measures.
Q. Are High Pressure cleaners considered the same as a trigger hose for the rinsing of vehicles?
A. Yes, as high pressure, low volume water cleaners are fitted with trigger mechanisms, they can be used for rinsing after cleaning a vehicle.
Q. Can I wash my car with a high pressure, low volume water cleaner or a hand held hose with a trigger nozzle?
A. You are able to use a high pressure, low volume water cleaner or a hand held hose with a trigger nozzle to wash your car. However, we encourage the use of bucket and sponge to first wash then rinse with a high pressure, low volume water cleaner or a hand held hose with a trigger nozzle.
Q. Can I pre-rinse my vehicle before washing?
A. Yes as long as it is with a high pressure low volume water cleaner fitted with a trigger hose or a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle.
Q. Can I flush out my boat motor so that it does not corrode?
A. Yes, boat owners are permitted to flush out motors and rinse off metal parts to prevent corrosion. Washing of the rest of the boat is the same as permanent water conservation measures on vehicles.
Q. As a farmer, will the permanent water conservation measures prevent me from washing down farm machinery or equipment?
A. No, the washing down of farm machinery as part of your business is not covered by the permanent water conservation measures. The washing down of road vehicles however, is covered by the permanent water conservation measures.
Q. Are buses and trucks included under the permanent water conservation measures under the washing of motor vehicles?
A. Yes, the requirements are the same as for cars. A permit is required for any washing activity which does not comply with permanent water conservation measures.
Commercial Nurseries and Garden Centres
Q. What arrangements are being made for Commercial nurseries and Garden Centres?
A. Individual nurseries need to apply for a permit for activities which do not comply with the permanent water conservation measures.
Health and Legal Requirements - Exempt Activities
Q. Can I wash down areas for health requirements and legal compliance?
A. Yes. However, please ensure you comply with other relevant legislation. The new Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy 2003 prohibits the disposal of a range of pollutants into the stormwater system. For more information on this policy visit the EPA website or phone (08) 8204 2004.
Q. I live within the Lead fallout zone in Port Pirie, can I hose off the lead dust from my property?
A. Yes. However, please ensure you comply with other relevant legislation. The new Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy 2003 prohibits the disposal of a range of pollutants into the stormwater system. For more information on this policy visit EPA website or phone (08) 8204 2004.
Q. I live within the iron oxide fallout zone in Whyalla, can I hose off the dust from my property?
A. Residents located between Playford Avenue and the sea are permitted to hose off dust from paths and roofs. A letter regarding this issue has been sent to all householders in this area.
However, please ensure you comply with other relevant legislation. The new Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy 2003 prohibits the disposal of a range of pollutants into the stormwater system. For more information on this policy visit EPA website or phone (08) 8204 2004.
Caring for Animals
Q. Am I able to cool captive animals or birds?
A. Yes, this is permitted for the health and welfare of animals.
Water from other Sources
Q. Do water conservation measures apply to private bores?
A. The use of privately owned supplies from bores is not covered under the permanent water conservation measures where SA Water has no jurisdiction but SA Water encourages wise water use and suggests:
Customers check with the Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation on 1800 725 463 for any other requirements that apply to bores.
Customers consider advising their neighbour(s) that they have an alternate water source.
Q. What if we are supplied by the SA Water system?
A. If the water is from the SA Water System then the water conservation measures apply regardless of source eg bore, dam or reservoir.
Q. Is use of Grey Water, (ie from shower and sink) covered by the restrictions?
A. Water conservation measures do not apply to the use of greywater. There are however, a number of health issues associated with this use. Approval is required from three agencies to ensure that systems operate and maintain a standard which will protect users and the environment.
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The Department of Health approves the treatment process and use of reclaimed greywater.
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Local Government approves the planning and development aspect of proposed systems.
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SA Water's Development Services Officer approves changes to plumbing and drainage through an encumbrance mechanism to protect it's wastewater system and to be able to ensure that if the property changes ownership, there is a mechanism to contact the new owner of the modified plumbing arrangements.
All restricted activities must comply with all other relevant legislation, eg Environment Protection Agency and Department of Health legislation. The new Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy 2003 prohibits the disposal of a range of pollutants into the stormwater system. For more information on this policy visit EPA website or phone (08) 8204 2004.
SA Water will make every effort to assist customers in establishing these advanced water conservation systems where they are feasible.
SA Water's Development Services Officer can be contacted on 82071400.