The restrictions have been introduced by the NSW Government to protect Sydney's water supply from drought conditions.
Under the Level 1 water restrictions residents and businesses are not able to:
- use standard sprinklers and watering systems at any time
- leave hoses running unattended
- wash vehicles and buildings with a hose that isn't fitted with a trigger nozzle or high pressure cleaning equipment
- clean hard surfaces such as paths, driveways and paved areas with a hose as part of general clean.
Water restrictions are enforceable and penalties apply. Fines of $220 will apply to individuals and $550 for businesses who don't follow the restrictions. There will be a three-month grace period before fines apply. Fines will not be issued until after 1 September 2019.
Exemptions will be available for non-residential customers with outdoor water use as their core business.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said Sydney is seeing some of the lowest inflows into its dams since the 1940s.
"The Bureau of Meteorology's latest forecast is predicting below-average rainfall and higher temperatures for June to August, which are key drivers of stronger water demand," Mrs Pavey said.
"Regional NSW has been experiencing a record drought. Water restrictions in Sydney mean that households across NSW are doing their bit to conserve water."
