From July 1, Dungog Shire residents on town water will be ruled by Hunter Water on how and when water is used outdoors.
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Water Wise Rules is a key recommendation of the Lower Hunter Water Plan, which has been developed by the State Government to secure the region’s water supply for the next 20 years.
Already enforced in most regions of Australia including Sydney and the Central Coast, Water Wise Rules regulate how drinking water can be used for activities like washing cars and watering gardens, and will save enough water each day to fill an Olympic swimming pool.
The three key Water Wise Rules are:
* All hand held hoses must have a trigger nozzle attached.
* Watering with a sprinkler, irrigation system or trigger nozzle hose is only allowed before 10am or after 4pm.
* No hosing of hard surfaces such as concrete, paths and driveways.
Hunter Water Managing Director Kim Wood said Water Wise Rules are common sense behaviours.
“Water Wise Rules are undoubtedly the most significant change to the Lower Hunter since 1982 when the region became the first in Australia to introduce the user pays system,” Mr Wood said.
“Hunter Water expects the new rules to save 2.7 million litres of water per day which over the course of the Lower Hunter Water Plan is enough to fill Chichester Dam more than once.
“The Lower Hunter can’t afford to be complacent when it comes to our water supply.
“The region was lucky to avoid the drought that parched most of NSW between 2006 and 2008.
“Water Wise Rules are an inexpensive approach to better protecting the Lower Hunter from future water restrictions.
“The rules will apply to all the entire community and carry potential fines of $220 for an individual and $550 for any business that breaches them.
“That said, Hunter Water will be taking an educational approach to the rules, with less tolerance shown for repeat offenders.
“Hunter Water will also be reducing water usage by working with the local business community.
“Thirty-five million litres are expected to be saved annually from partnership programs with small business and a further 108 million litres from Hunter Water’s larger commercial customers.
“Hunter Water will also invest $15 million on a program to better find and repair leaks in our water network.”
Full details of Water Wise Rules are available at www.hunterwater.com.au/waterwise
