Water Wise Rules apply to all outdoor water use. Find out what you can do now.
The Central Coast has permanent rules to conserve water. The target is to use no more than 150 litres per person per day.
Water Wise Rules apply to all water users, including domestic, commercial, industrial and government, who use water sourced from the town supply.
Water Wise Rules remind us to:
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Water the garden before 10am or after 4pm to avoid the heat of the day.
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Reduce water use by using a trigger nozzle on all hand-held hoses.
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Wash vehicles with a bucket or trigger nozzle, and on the grass wherever possible.
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Avoid hosing paths or driveways and instead use a broom.
To see how the Water Wise Rules apply to different areas, see the menu on the right.
Water Wise Rules are not water restrictions. These simple rules help us use water responsibly and ensure we are a water wise community.
Water restrictions will come into effect when the water level in Mangrove Creek Dam reaches 50 per cent.
Lawns and gardens
Watering including with sprinklers, irrigation systems and hand held hoses fitted with a trigger nozzle is permitted any day before 10am and after 4pm.
Vehicle and boat washing
All road vehicles (including cars, trucks, caravans and cars in car yards) may be washed with a bucket or a hose provided a trigger nozzle or pressure cleaner is used. All boats (including water craft and boat trailers) may be washed with a bucket or a hose provided a trigger nozzle or pressure cleaner is used. Flushing boat engines with a hose is permitted.
Hard surfaces
No hosing of paths or driveways.
Private pools
Topping up of existing pools using a hose from the town water supply is permitted.
Bowling greens, golf greens and cricket pitches
Watering including with sprinklers, irrigation systems and hand held hoses fitted with a trigger nozzle is permitted any day before 10am and after 4pm to avoid the heat of the day.
Nurseries and commercial gardens
Watering including with sprinklers, irrigation systems and hand held hoses fitted with a trigger nozzle is permitted any day before 10am and after 4pm to avoid the heat of the day.
Sporting fields, school ovals and grassed areas
Watering including with sprinklers, irrigation systems and hand held hoses fitted with a trigger nozzle is permitted any day before 10am and after 4pm to avoid the heat of the day.
Water cartage from the town water supply
Permitted.
Auto flush urinals
Timer controlled operation is not permitted.
Public beach showers, fish tables and boat ramp taps
Permitted.
Customer with an annual demand greater than 3,500KL, and hotels, motels, resorts caravan parks & public pools
Preparation and implementation of a Water Management Plan.
Exclusions
Water Wise Rules do not apply to the use of:
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Water from rainwater tanks which are not plumbed into the home for laundry and toilets.
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Bore water and water extracted from rivers are excluded from Water Wise Rules. Some government restrictions do apply so always check with the Department of Industry-Water.
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Town water in the event of or where there is risk of an accident, fire, or hazard to health.
Are there exclusions for Water Wise Rules for households?
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If you are establishing a new lawn, you may use sprinklers and watering systems as needed for 14 days from the date of installation. After 14 days, sprinklers and watering systems may only be used before 10am and after 4pm.
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You may also hose a path, driveway, concrete and other paved surface during construction or for health, safety, emergency, and surface discolouration reasons.
Construction
- Preparing a surface for painting or resealing.
- Cleaning surfaces before selling or leasing a property.
- Rinsing surfaces after construction activity provided that the area is initially cleaned using a shovel and broom.
Cleaning
- The barbecue or outdoor food preparation areas.
- Spilt food or drink.
- After accidents.
- Animal droppings.
- Areas affected by sewer overflows.
- School toilet blocks.
Safety
- Removing a build-up of mould or moss.
- Surface discoloration.
- Removing graffiti.
- Removing oil stains.
- Removing a build-up of rust.
Business exclusions
Businesses and residents do not need to apply for exemptions. The following groups and individuals may use sprinklers and watering systems as needed:
- Landscapers.
- Mobile garden contractors.
- People using water to cool animals or people.
Businesses must use high-pressure cleaning equipment or a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle to hose paths, driveways, concrete and other paved surface during construction activity or for health, safety, emergency and surface discolouration reasons.
Sprinklers and watering systems may be used as needed to establish a new lawn for 14 days from the date of installation. After the first 14 days, sprinklers and watering systems may be used before 10am and after 4pm daily.
Vehicle dealers must only use high pressure cleaning equipment or a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle to clean cars, trucks, caravans, boats, and farm and construction equipment.
