Extreme Level Water Restrictions
Target water consumption:
Maximum 120 litres per person, per day
Extreme water restrictions apply to ALL urban and rural residents across the Southern Downs region to encourage the efficient use of water. Tables 1 & 2 provide a guide for what are permissible and prohibited uses under extreme water restrictions. Penalties may apply for non-compliance.
Click here to download a copy of the Extreme Level Water Restrictions tables (PDF 561.9KB)
Frequently Asked Questions: Water Restrictions and Water Supplies
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Table 1: Water Use Activity
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Residential
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Non-Residential
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Commercial:
Car Wash
Car Detailing
Car Dealerships
Heavy Vehicles
(refer to table 2)
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Schools / Child Care Facilities
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Hospitals & Aged Care
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Nurseries & Garden Centres
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Contract Cleaners
|
|
Watering of established gardens and lawns
|
|
NO
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NO
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NO
|
NO
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NO
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YES
|
NO
|
|
Use of a bucket to water established gardens or pot plants where water has already been used inside the home (e.g. warm up shower water, food preparation and laundry uses)
|
|
YES
|
NO
|
NO
|
YES
|
YES
|
YES
|
NO
|
|
Active playing surface irrigation
|
|
|
|
NO
|
NO
|
NO
|
NO
|
NO
|
NO
|
NO
|
|
Swimming Pools, Spa and fountain fills and top ups
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NO
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NO
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NO
|
NO
|
NO
|
NO
|
NO
|
|
Wasting water by way of leaking taps and plumbing fittings and overflowing containers or structures
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NO
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NO
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NO
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NO
|
NO
|
NO
|
NO
|
|
Any watering of newly established gardens or lawns
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NO
|
NO
|
NO
|
NO
|
NO
|
NO
|
NO
|
|
Testing of irrigation systems with town water supplies
|
NO
|
NO
|
NO
|
NO
|
NO
|
NO
|
NO
|
|
Use of water play pools and water play toys
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NO
|
NO
|
NO
|
NO
|
NO
|
NO
|
NO
|
|
Use of water for outdoor showers
|
NO
|
NO
|
NO
|
NO
|
NO
|
NO
|
NO
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Note: Water is defined as town water supplies which has been treated to drinking water standard
Where a residential property is consuming greater than 800 Litres per property per day without reasonable justification (i.e. medical condition, number of residents, or a water leak that has now been repaired) a fine may be issued.
Council will be actively working with local businesses and sporting groups to reduce their water consumption and conserve water in line with Water Efficiency Management Plans and best practice.
| Table 2: Other Water Use Activity |
CONDITIONS APPLY FOR THE FOLLOWING USES FOR ALL USERS |
| General outdoor cleaning (includes: solar panels, buildings, landscaping, entertainment areas, outdoor furniture and paved surfaces) |
General outdoor cleaning for health and safety only is permitted at any time using water efficient measures. Use of drinking water is not permitted to remove loose items that could be easily removed by a broom, blower or similar device. |
| Cleaning of commercial and residential vehicles (cars, boats, caravans, trailers, bikes, buses and trucks) |
Drinking water may be used from a bucket filled directly from a tap to: (1) spot clean a surface to remove potentially paint damaging marks; (2) clean only vehicle mirrors, vehicle lights, glass and number plates to maintain safe operation and visibility requirements; (3) clean other such parts of a vehicle as required to comply with statutory or regulatory obligations or (4) to flush an inboard or outboard motor or vehicle brakes to prevent corrosion and maintain safe operation. |
| Cleaning of rubbish bins, tools and related equipment as well as animal enclosures/kennels |
Cleaning for health and safety only is permitted at any time using water efficient measures. |
| Building Construction (brick laying, tile cutting etc) |
Use of drinking water is not permitted for dust suppression on construction sites. Drinking water is permitted to be used for building construction where: (1) the site is attended; (2) hoses and equipment are in good order with no leaks and (3) water is not running to waste. |
| Ornamental fish ponds, frog ponds and outdoor aquariums |
Drinking water may be used only if it is collected in a bucket filled directly from a tap and is requirement for the health and safety of the fish, frogs and other aquarium life. Measures must be taken to reduce evaporation where possible. |
| Council and state government parks and road reserves |
Use of drinking water is not permitted. Alternative water sources can be used as appropriate. |
| Active playing surface irrigation |
Use of drinking water is not permitted. Alternative water sources can be used as appropriate. |