Order under Hunter Water Regulation 2015 (NSW)

HUNTER WATER ACT 1991 (NSW)

HUNTER WATER REGULATION 2015 (NSW)

Having regard to the effects of drought, and it being in the public interest for the purpose of
maintaining water supply, I issue the following order in accordance with Clause 33 of the Hunter

Water Regulation 2015 for the following water restrictions, known as Level 1 Water Restrictions.

This order is to take effect at 12.01am on Monday 16 September 2019.

The water restrictions listed below remain in force until further notice; apply in the whole of the area
of operations of the Hunter Water Corporation; and apply to all uses of water supplied by Hunter

Water Corporation.

Subject to the exclusions below, I order that the following uses of water supplied by Hunter Water

Corporation within its area of operations are not permitted at any time:

• the use of sprinklers, watering systems or hoses for the watering of lawns, gardens or other vegetation;

• the hosing of hard surfaces;

• the unattended running of hoses or taps;

• the filling of new or renovated pools greater than 10,000 litres capacity without a permit issued by Hunter Water Corporation, and in accordance with any conditions attached to that permit; and

• the loss of water as a result of leaks and/or breaks of privately owned infrastructure in circumstances where the owner is aware of the defect and no rectification work has been arranged.

The following uses are excluded from the restrictions:

• watering of lawns and gardens before 10am and after 4pm on any day using a hand-held hose fitted with an instant on-off mechanism such as a trigger nozzle;

• watering of newly laid turf according to the watering instructions provided by the turf supplier for a period of 7 days from the date of the delivery docket, or in accordance with a permit issued by Hunter Water Corporation and any conditions attached to that permit. This exclusion only applies to the newly laid turf and not to the surrounding areas;

• the use of drip irrigation systems before 10am and after 4pm;

• the use of irrigation systems incorporating controllers that automatically adjust to weather or soil moisture conditions before 10am and after 4pm;

• the use of fire hoses for firefighting purposes, hazard reduction purposes or fire service testing;

• use of water for cooling people at water parks and water play areas that are accessible for public use, in accordance with a permit issued by Hunter Water Corporation and any conditions attached to that permit;

• spot cleaning with a hose of paths, driveways and other hard surfaces when cleaning with water is necessary for reasons (readily identifiable to an authorised person) of a safety, health or emergency incident. For any use of water under this category of exclusion the hose used must be fitted with a trigger nozzle unless it is used to supply high pressure water cleaning equipment;

• non-commercial washing of vehicles, boats or personal water craft using a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, high pressure water cleaning equipment, or a bucket and sponge (or similar arrangement);

• use of water for flushing inboard and outboard boat engines by means of a hose fitted with an appropriate flushing device;

• use of water by means of a hose fitted with a trigger or high-pressure water cleaning equipment for cleaning bilges or essential safety components on boat trailers, including wheels and brakes;

• non-commercial washing of building structures, including windows, walls, gutters and roofing using high pressure water cleaning equipment or hose fitted with a trigger nozzle;

• use of water by means of an attended hose fitted with a trigger nozzle for topping up water in pools to replace water lost through normal use conditions including evaporation;

• the use of bore water, greywater, recycled water or rain water except when the tank used for

storage has also been supplied from Hunter Water Corporation’s potable supply unless Hunter

Water Corporation has issued an exemption for that specific purpose;

• the use of water for the maintenance of public health, firefighting, hazard reduction or any other essential purpose approved in writing by Hunter Water Corporation;

• the use of water for dust suppression by business and commercial operators to meet environment and public health requirements. Where a dust incident involves hazardous dust (eg asbestos), use of water must comply with the applicable incident response guidelines for the specific hazardous substance involved;

• outdoor water use for essential business operations where a Water Efficiency Management Plan has been approved by Hunter Water Corporation and implemented in accordance with that approved Plan;

• any use of water in accordance with the conditions of an exemption permit granted by Hunter Water Corporation.

All customers who are supplied with over 50 million litres of water per year by Hunter Water

Corporation are required to develop and implement a Water Efficiency Management Plan (WEMP).

All customers who are supplied with over 10 million litres of water per year by Hunter Water
Corporation are required to develop a Water Efficiency Management Plan (WEMP).

The penalty prescribed for non-compliance with these restrictions is $220 for an individual and $550 for a corporation, where a penalty notice is issued.

The Notice of Water Restrictions (‘Water Wise Rules’) of 27 June 2014 is revoked.

Note: Hunter Water Corporation may determine definitions of words used in this Order (such as equipment referred to) and make those definitions available publicly via the Hunter Water website.

Dated 19 August 2019.

The Hon MELINDA JANE PAVEY MP
Minister for Water, Property and Housing