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Water Restrictions

Changes to Level 3 water restrictions came into effect on Sunday 14 June 2009.

The changes allow residents to water gardens and lawns with a hand held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or drip irrigation systems, for up to one hour on two days of the week.

Refer to the Level 3 water restrictions guidelines and usage table below for full details.

This Notice is given under the Water Management (Water Supply Authorities - Regulation), 2004 which applies to the use of water in Gosford and Wyong local government areas in times of drought or other water scarcity.

Level 3 Water Restrictions

These restrictions apply to all water users, including domestic, commercial, industrial and government who use water sourced from the town supply.

The external use of water from internally connected rainwater tanks is subject to the previous level 2a water restrictions (PDF File, 1.7mb).

Level 3 Water Restrictions - applying from 14 June 2009 until further notice.
Use CaseAllowable Activity
Lawns & Gardens
  • No fixed hoses or sprinklers (including micro spray)
  • Hand-held hoses fitted with a trigger nozzle and drip irrigation systems can be used for 1 hour on two days of the week, between the hours of 6am - 9am and 4pm - 7pm

    Odd numbered houses: Wednesdays and Saturdays

    Even numbered houses: Thursday and Sundays.

  • Watering cans may be used to water at any time on any day.
Vehicle and Boat Washing **
  • All road vehicles (including cars, trucks, caravans and cars in car yards) may be washed with a bucket or a hose provided a trigger nozzle is used.
  • All boats (including all water craft) may be washed with a bucket or a hose provided a trigger nozzle is used.
  • Boat engines, bilges, boat trailer brakes & wheels may be washed with a hose for up to a total of 5 minutes, provided a trigger nozzle is used.
All External Surfaces
  • No washing or wetting of any external surface using a hose is permitted, including paths, driveways, building surface, outside furniture or structures.
Private Pools
  • Topping or refilling of existing pools using a hose from the town water supply is not allowed. A bucket may be used or supply other than the drinking water supply system.
  • Filling of new pools from the town water supply is not permitted.
Bowling Greens, Golf Clubs & Cricket Pitches
  • Watering systems for a total of 1 hour per day on Monday, Wednesday and Friday between the hours of 6.00am to 8.00am and 6.00pm to 8.00pm are permitted.
Nurseries & Commercial Gardens
  • Watering systems for a total of 1 hour per day between the hours of 6.00am to 8.00am and 6.00pm to 8.00pm are permitted.
Local Sporting Fields, School Ovals & Grassed Areas
  • No watering from the town water supply permitted.
Water Cartage from Town Supply
  • Permitted for domestic internal use only.
Auto Flush Urinals *
  • Timer controlled operation is not permitted.
Public beach showers, fish tables & boat ramp taps.
  • Permitted
Customers with an annual demand greater than 3500KL & Hotels, Motels, Resorts, Caravan Parks & Public Pools
  • Preparation and implementation of a water management plan is required to achieve a minimum of 24% reduction on pre-restriction (2001) water usage.
Voluntary Residential Target150 Litres (per person per day).

Important

  • All exemptions issued under previous level 4 restrictions are valid under the current level 3 water restrictions. Any previous exemptions issued under other water restriction levels are revoked.
  • No restrictions apply to the use of town water in the event of, or where there is risk of, an accident, fire, hazard to health, safety or the environment.
  • Runoff from any watered area is not permitted.
  • Watering systems that do not draw on the town water supply should carry appropriate signage that is clearly visible from the street.
  • Any breaches of these restrictions can result in a $200 fine for an individual and $2,200 for a corporation.
  • The residential consumption target is expressed on a maximum per person basis. It is recognised that residential consumption within individual homes is affected by the efficiency of appliances, fixtures and number of occupants. The target is not mandatory, but provides guidance to customers on acceptable water usage rates.
  • ** Vehicle includes all road vehicles such as cars, trucks, motor bikes, caravans etc. Boat includes all water craft such as power boats, jet ski's, sailing boat etc.
  • + Customers who are required to prepare a Water Management Plan will be advised in writing by Council. Information and guidelines will be provided by Council to assist in the preparation of the Water Management Plans.
  • # Water management plans prepared under Level 2b or level 3 restrictions will be acceptable unless otherwise advised by Council.

To apply for an exemption, you will need to complete a Water Restriction - Request for exemption form. All requests for exemption will be dealt with on an individual basis and in accordance with need. Exemptions may be granted for personal health issues or to reduce any impacts on business operations or jobs.

Contact Us

Email us at save.water@gosford.nsw.gov.au for your tips and ideas on saving water.

For specific complaints or technical problems with your water supply please contact Gosford City Council Customer Service on 4325 8401 or post a customer action request from our customer contact page.