How can I use water
under Level 3
Water Restrictions?
Steuart McIntyre Dam
KEMPSEY
Shire Council
LEVEL 3 WATER RESTRICTIONS
How can I use water under Level 3 Water Restrictions?
Level 3 Water Restrictions apply to external use of all potable (drinking) water supplied from
Council’s reticulated water supply system.
No restrictions apply to internal use, however all water saving initiatives are encouraged.
EXTERNAL USE:
Sprinklers and fixed hoses are BANNED,
The use of ONE hand held hose for 1 hour ( in two 30 minute sessions), every second day on
“odds & evens" days matching your house number (For example, if your house number is 2, then
nd
th
th
you can water on all the even days of the month i.e. 2 , 4 , 6 etc).
Time: from 6.30am to 7.00am and 6.00pm to 6.30pm
No garden watering on 31st day of the month.
Hoses must be fitted with a water cut-off trigger or control nozzle.
Watering cans and buckets can be used at any time when filled from a fixed tap.
During your allotted time, the following activities can be undertaken:
GARDENS AND LAWNS
- Use one hand held hose fitted with a water cut-off trigger or control nozzle and
- Micro-spray watering systems can be used for 15 minutes only
OR
CAR & BOAT WASHING
- Wash with a bucket, rinse only using a hand held hose fitted with a water cut-off trigger
or control nozzle, on lawn area or gravel where possible.
Other activities:
OUTBOARD BOAT - Motor Flushing 5 minutes on a lawn area only.
CLEANING WINDOWS, WALLS and ROOFS Buckets only any time of day when filled
from a fixed tap.
DRIVEWAYS, PATHS AND PAVED AREAS
Brooms, vacuum cleaners or air blowers to be used to remove loose material.
No chemicals or cleaning products to be used
No hose can be used, unless it is required as a result of accident, fire, health hazard
or other emergency. (Hoses must be fitted with a water cut-off trigger or control
nozzle).
COMMERCIAL, BUILDING & LANDSCAPING INDUSTRIES:
• No restrictions to Commercial activities (including commercial market gardens and plant
nurseries), however, water saving initiatives are encouraged.
• Hoses must be fitted with a water cut-off trigger or control nozzle.
• Dust suppression permitted with recycled water only.
• All water usage and associated activities must not cause pollution as defined under the
Protection of the Environment Operations [POEO] Act 1997.
Penalties will apply for deliberate breaches of the adopted Level 3 Water Restrictions)
Water usage and associated activities must not cause pollution as defined under
the Protection of the Environment Operations (POEO) Act 1997.
For further information Phone (02) 6566 3200 or visit us at
www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au
LEVEL 3 WATER RESTRICTIONS Q&A
RESIDENTIAL - How can water be used?
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How can I water my garden and lawn under Level 3 Water Restrictions?
Sprinklers and fixed hoses are banned.
Watering cans and buckets can be used at any time when filled from a fixed tap.
ONE hand held hose for 1 hour, every second day, on “odds & evens" days
matching your house number.
Time: from 6.30am to 7.00am and 6.00pm to 6.30pm
Micro-spray watering systems can be used for 15 minutes only during your
allotted time in addition to one hand held hose for 1 hour.
No garden watering on 31st day of the month.
Hoses must be fitted with a water cut-off trigger or control nozzle.
It is recommended that soil moisture be checked on each occasion to determine
the need to operate any watering system.
These water restrictions apply to all homes, units, private connected or supplied
by the town water supply.
2.. What constitutes a cut-off trigger or control nozzle on a normal hose?
• An approved water efficient nozzle is one which uses 9 litres of water per minute
or less.
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A control nozzle [as shown above] is a
common hose attachment, which allows the
hose user to turn the water spray on or off by
twisting the nozzle
A cut-off trigger nozzle [as shown above] is a
common hose attachment, which allows the
hose user to turn the water spray on or off by
depressing a handle or trigger.
3. Can I use my drip irrigation/micro-spray system to water my garden?
Yes. they can be used for 15 minutes only (in addition to one hand held hose for
1 hour), only during your allotted time.
4. How can I wash my car or boat under Level 3 Water Restrictions?
• This can be carried out during your allocated hour instead of hosing your garden.
• Wash with a bucket, hose rinse (only) preferably on a lawn or gravel area.
• Hoses must be fitted with a water cut-off trigger or control nozzle.
• Run-off water from this activity that enters any stormwater system or waterway,
could incur penalties associated with pollution as defined under the Protection of
the Environment Operations [POEO] Act 1997.
• Council recommends the use of commercial car wash stations which use high
pressure cleaning units, recycle water, collect and treat associated water
pollution.
5. How can I flush my outboard motor under Level 3 Water Restrictions?
• This is permitted at any time for 5 minutes preferably be undertaken on a lawn
or gravel area.
• Hoses must be fitted with a water cut-off trigger or control nozzle.
• Run-off water from this activity that enters any stormwater system or waterway,
could incur penalties associated with pollution as defined under the Protection of
the Environment Operations [POEO] Act 1997.
6. Can windows, gutters, roofs, and walls be cleaned with a hose under Level 3
Water Restrictions?
No. These activities can only be conducted using a bucket filled from a fixed tap.
7. Can I clean my driveway or paths using a hose?
No, hoses cannot be used to clean a driveway or paths, unless it is required as a
result of accident, fire, health hazard or other emergency. (Hoses must be fitted with
a water cut-off trigger or control nozzle even during this time).
• Brooms, vacuum cleaners or air blowers to be used to remove loose material.
• No chemicals or cleaning products to be used.
8. Can I top up my pool and spa under Level 3 Water Restrictions?
• Topping up of swimming pools and spas is permitted during allocated time only.
• Hoses must be fitted with a water cut-off trigger or control nozzle.
• NOTE - Ensure these activities are closely monitored to ensure that no overflow,
or water wastage occurs. Such occurrences will be considered to be an offence
and penalties will apply.
• Council would encourage all pool owners/operators to minimise evaporation &
water loss by installing a pool cover and to use rainwater collection from any
adjacent roof down pipe to help reduce the need for topping up of the pool.
9. Can I empty and re-fill my pool under Level 3 Water Restrictions?
No. Pools may not be emptied unless required by Health Regulations or to repair
leaks. Refilling of existing pools or filling of new pools will require an exemption.
Exemption applications can be obtained at Council offices and the Council website
www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au
10. Can I wash out my garbage bins?
• Yes. Garbage bins can be washed during allocated time only, i.e. on "Odds &
Evens" days matching house number. No domestic outside water use on 31st
day of the month.
• Hoses must be fitted with a water cut-off trigger or control nozzle.
• This activity should preferably be undertaken on a lawn or gravel area, as any
run-off water that enters any stormwater system or waterway, could incur
penalties associated with pollution as defined under the Protection of the
Environment Operations [POEO] Act 1997.
11. Can I wash my dog and other animals?
The washing of dogs and other animals is permitted at any time. This should
preferably be undertaken on a lawn or gravel area. Hoses must be fitted with a water
cut-off trigger or control nozzle.
12. Can new turf be laid and watered?
Yes, however, an exemption is required to water new turf. Exemption applications
can be obtained at Council offices and the Council website
www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au
Approval will provide a 10 day exemption to water new turf 1 hour per day before
7am OR after 6pm with hand held hose only. Hose must be fitted with a water cut-off
trigger or control nozzle.
At the end of the 10 day period, Level 3 Restrictions apply. Watering cans and
buckets can be used at any time when filled from a fixed tap.
13. I have access to bore water and/or water collected by rainwater tanks. Can I
use this water under Level 3 Water Restrictions?
• Yes, water used from a bore or rainwater tank is not subject to Council water
restrictions. However, rainwater tanks that have top up from the potable water
supply can only be used during your allocated time.
• You need a current licence from the Office of Water to use bore water. For online
applications go to the website www.water.nsw.gov.au
14. I am a resident of South West Rocks and I am connected to the South West
Rocks recycled water scheme. When using this water am I exempt from the
Water Restrictions?
No. Kempsey Shire Council has not commenced operation of the recycled water
scheme, so potable drinking water is still being supplied through the recycled water
scheme. This system is expected to be operating by June 2014, and once
operational then households utilising recycled water will be exempt from water
restrictions whenever using the recycled water.
15.Can I use grey water or recycled water to water my garden?
Yes, grey water and recycled water can be used at any time to water gardens. See
grey water usage guidelines.
http://www.water.nsw.gov.au/Urban-water/Recycling-water/Greywater/Greywater/default.aspx
16. What if I live in a block of units? What day can I use water on?
The numbering system for watering is based on the street number of your unit block
not the individual unit or flat number. For example, Unit 1, No 2 Port Street can water
on all the even days of the month i.e. 2nd, 4th, 6th etc.
17. Are exemptions to Level 3 Restrictions available?
No. The only exemptions available are for new turf and for the refilling of existing
pools (emptied for repairs) or for filling of new pools.
Exemption applications can be obtained at Council offices and the Council website
www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au
BUSINESSES AND PUBLIC SPACES
- How can water be used?
18. What Level 3 Water Restriction requirements have been introduced for the
commercial, construction and building industries?
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At this stage there are water restrictions being imposed on Commercial activities,
including construction and building industries to ensure we minimise the effect
on livelihoods. Water saving initiatives are encouraged along with keeping non
essential water usage to a minimum.
19. Why have car washing businesses been allowed to operate
during the water restrictions?
Commercial car washing businesses have been allowed to operate
during the water restrictions as this is their livelihood. Kempsey car washes recycle
most of their water on site , use low water volume high pressure cleaning units and
also properly collect and treat associated pollutants.
20. I have seen the local car and caravan yards washing their vehicles, is this
allowed under Level 3 Water Restrictions?
• Car and caravan yards are currently able to wash their vehicles as this is part of
their livelihood.
• All hoses and high-pressure cleaning units must be fitted with a water cut-off
trigger control or nozzle.
• Council will be working closely with local car and caravan yard operators to
ensure that such cleaning activities are conducted in accordance with the current
water restriction levels.
• All water usage and associated activities must not cause pollution as defined
under the Protection of the Environment Operations [POEO] Act 1997.
21. I have seen shop owners and street cleaners hosing footpaths, is this
allowed under Level 3 Water Restrictions?
In many cases there are genuine public health requirements to ensure the health and
safety of the community.
Council will be working closely with contract cleaners and shop owners to
ensure that such cleaning activities are conducted in accordance with the current
water restriction levels.
22. How is Council ensuring that tourists do not waste water?
• All accommodation facilities across the region and our tourist information centre
will be provided with relevant information for visitors explaining their obligations
under Mandatory Level 3 Water Restrictions.
• Signage advising Water Restrictions is provided at all entry points to the Shire to
advise visitors to the area.
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23. Will beach showers be available for use under Level 3 Water Restrictions?
Under Level 3 Water Restrictions , the following public amenities will be maintained:
• Outdoor showers will remain available and all outdoor showers have been fitted
with low volume shower facilities.
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Boat owners are being encouraged to either utilise commercial car washing
facilities or flush motors and clean boats at home.
24. Can our local sporting fields be watered under Level 3 Water Restrictions?
To continue to provide public amenity, sporting fields [including Council open space
facilities] can be watered. To reduce current water demands, a number of golf
courses are already using Reclaimed Water for irrigation..
BREACHES, PENALTIES AND REPORTING
25. What are the penalties for breaking the rules?
Under the relevant provisions of the Local Government Act & Regulations, Council is
able to take legal action against a person or corporation found breaching restrictions.
Customers who fail to comply with Council’s water restrictions can have their water
supply restricted, face “On-The-Spot” fines and/or prosecution in the local district
court.
The penalties include:
• “On-The-Spot” fines of $220, and
• Up to $2,200 fines, if prosecuted through the local district court.
In addition, the same penalties also apply for water theft and unauthorised access
of water from Council’s mains and hydrants.
26. Will Council be conducting patrols to enforce Level 3 Restrictions?
Yes, Council staff are out and about every day and will be actively monitoring water
usage both during the day and after hours
Council will investigate all reported breaches of the water restrictions
and conservation measures.
Council will continue to rely upon the public’s support and assistance in the
monitoring of the water conservation measures by reporting any suspected
breaches.
27. What do I do if I see someone wasting water or breaching the mandatory
water conservation measures?
Contact Kempsey Council on 65663200 between 8am to 5pm
to report any breaches of the current water restrictions. Anonymous calls cannot be
followed up.
28. I have seen someone taking water from a fire hydrant. Is this permitted?
No, the only people approved to take water from fire hydrants, are members of the
NSW and Rural Fire Brigades, who are actively engaged in the fighting of a fire.
Should you observe anyone accessing or drawing water from a fire hydrant, please
immediately report this to Council on 6566 3200 between 8am to 5pm.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON WATER
RESTRICTIONS
29. How does Council determine when to implement Water Restrictions and
why have we adopted Level 3 Water Restrictions?
In order to determine the water restriction trigger levels, usable storage within our
dam and aquifers, river flows, predicted weather forecasts and daily demands of the
customers are all assessed to determine when to implement each level of Water
Restrictions.
Warm weather conditions and minimal rainfall in the catchment have resulted in low
river flows in the Macleay River. Current river flows have dropped below the
environmental flow water restriction trigger level of 200 ML/d. For this reason Level 3
water restrictions have been implemented. Kempsey will continue to monitor these
flows on a daily basis to determine the need for further changes in water restriction
levels. Although Kempsey Shire has experienced some rainfall over the past month,
it is also worth keeping in mind that rainfall does not directly correlate to an increase
in river level. Much summer rainfall is coastal in nature and rainfall in the upper
catchment is required to impact river levels in the Macleay River.
In times of low water availability, water restrictions can reduce water demands and
conserve the amount of water currently in storage. Community support to conserve
our scarce water resources is critical.
30. When will the Level 3 Restrictions be lifted/eased?
Lifting or easing of Restrictions will be recommended when the river environmental
flows have returned to above the 80th percentile trigger levels for a period of 7 days
and there are sound forward projections of normal rainfall forecasted. Environmental
river flows, are the minimum river flows, which must be preserved to maintain river
health, for downstream river users and the aquatic environment.
31. Why was this time of day chosen for watering?
The time from 6.30am to 7.00am and 5pm to 5.30pm (6pm to 6.30pm Daylight Saving
Time) was chosen as it is provides an efficient use of water and is not within the peak
water demand periods.