Do You Know When to Water Your Garden?

Monday, October 19th, 2015

Permanent Water Saving Rules – In Place Now

With a hot, dry start to spring and forecasts for above average temperatures and below average rainfall this summer, South Gippsland Water is calling on the community to activate water wise behaviors now. South Gippsland Water’s Managing Director, Philippe du Plessis said, “I would like to take this opportunity to remind the community that separately from staged Water Restrictions, Permanent Water Saving Rules are in place year round. We are calling on all communities to be water efficient and abide by the Permanent Water Saving Rules”.

Home-owners, community groups and sporting clubs are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the rules if not already, and to implement good practices such as watering gardens during the cool of the day and sweeping instead of hosing paved areas.

The Permanent Water Saving Rules are;

Water gardens, lawns & playing surfaces during the cool of the day: You may only water gardens and lawns, with a watering system between the hours of 6pm and 10am on any day or a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle at any time on any day.
Use trigger nozzles on hoses: All hand held hoses must be fitted with trigger nozzles and be leak free.
Sweep, don’t hose: Water should not be used to clean paved areas and hard surfaces, i.e. you should sweep driveways and paths. However, water may be used if there is a health or safety hazard, during construction or renovation, or if staining has developed and then only once a year. Use a high pressure water cleaner if available, otherwise a hand-held hose or bucket may be used.
Re-circulate Water: Fountains and water features can be used, provided they re-circulate water.

Over recent weeks a number of instances of watering gardens, lawns and playing surfaces outside the times set out in Permanent Water Saving Rules have been observed. South Gippsland Water has sent courtesy warning letters to these customers and organisations.

More information regarding Permanent Water Saving Rules can be found on South Gippsland water’s website: https://www.sgwater.com.au/services/water/permanent-water-saving-rules/