At Level 3 water restrictions, water use for aesthetic purposes (that is, to make things look good) is essentially restricted. Value-add water uses, such as for food production and processing, are less affected.
All businesses have an obligation to not waste water but reduce use wherever possible.
High-volume water users (> 10 ML/year) must have a water efficiency management plan approved by Council. Council may audit water use and require sub meters to be installed on high-water use equipment.
While businesses can apply to Council for an Exemption Permit, they should not expect to be granted one. If a permit is granted, all water use must be logged.
Find useful tips and helpful ways to reduce water use on our water saving for business page, including how to request a free water audit.
Public facilities
Banned
- Public swimming pool top-ups (can maintain a minimum water level to avoid structural damage only). Must log water use.
- Watering sports grounds, playing fields, golf fairways.
- Beach showers and taps at boat ramps.
- Taps on fish cleaning tables.
Limited use
- Sprinklers or hand-held hoses (5-7 am or 5-7 pm).
- Cricket pitches, tennis courts, bowls and golf greens (15 minutes/day).
Allowed
- Bathrooms, toilets, urinals, kitchens, barbecues and laundromats should have WELS-rated fittings. Urinals must be flush-on-demand only.
All businesses - banned uses
- Existing swimming pool/spa top-ups (you can maintain a minimum water level to avoid structural damage only). Must log water use.
- New swimming pools (need Council approval to fill with enough water to avoid structural damage only. Then you can maintain a minimum water level to avoid structural damage only). Must log water use.
- Fountains, ponds, water features, outdoor aquariums (can maintain a minimum water level to keep fish alive only).
- Lawn and garden watering.
- Sport and playing fields, golf fairways watering.
- Washing paved areas (allowed for health and safety reasons only with low-flow pressure cleaner).
- Irrigation from the town supply.
All businesses - limited uses
- New turf – Hand-held hose with on/off trigger nozzle 30 minutes on day of install then 15 mins only on odds/evens* system for next 7 days before 9 am or after 4 pm (that is, water only four times in total).
Odds/evens watering days
* Odd/even days correspond to odd/even street numbers, i.e. odd street numbers permitted on each odd date of the month and vice versa. No watering allowed on the 31st of the month.
Individual business types - restricted uses
Hotels/motels may be required to develop a Water Efficiency Management Plan. They also must display water conservation messages in all rooms. If they have swimming pools and spas they can maintain only a minimum water level in those facilities to avoid structural damage.
Water Play businesses – Can only top-up and operate if using recirculated water. Must log water use.
Animal-based businesses, including mobile dog washes - can water their animals, clean pet enclosures with low-flow pressure cleaner, wash animals/dogs with hand-help hose with trigger nozzle only.
Plant-based businesses, such as nurseries, turf farms - can water using sprinklers or sprays for 30 minutes a day between 5-7 am or 5-7 pm. Need Council approval for other times. Must log water use.
Fixed premises car washes - water must be recirculated. Low-flow pressure cleaners with trigger control only. Must log water use.
Motor vehicle dealers and car detailing – wash vehicles using low-flow pressure cleaners with trigger control every second day between 6-8 am (odds/evens system) or using buckets anytime. Must log water use.
Passenger vehicle businesses (taxi, food transport, ambulance, garbage trucks) high-pressure cleaners with trigger control every second day between 6-8 am (odds/evens system) or using buckets anytime. Must log water use.
Outdoor maintenance and cleaning businesses, such as house and driveway washing, can wash for health and safety reasons only.
Mobile window cleaners can use buckets only.
Roadworks use water (preferably recycled) for dust suppression and compaction only.
Construction businesses can use water for essential tasks only via low-flow pressure cleaners and for mixing products such as concrete and plaster etc.
Uses requiring Council approval
Carpet cleaners – when house for sale or lease only.
No restrictions
Graziers – stock watering only.