Restrictions aim to save water

STAGE one water restrictions will again come into force tomorrow (Friday), though tougher than those introduced during droughts in 2002.
South East Water is urging customers to save water in the garden and home as part of the restrictions.
State Water Minister John Thwaites said with the warmer weather approaching it was important to act now to manage water use throughout spring and summer.
“August has been another dry month and Melbourne’s storage levels had not filled as they normally would,” Mr Thwaites said.
“Storage levels are just 46.9 per cent. At the same time last year they were 53.9 per cent.”
South East Water Managing Director Mr Dennis Cavagna said the new restrictions were tougher than previously and were in addition to Melbourne’s Permanent Water Saving Rules.
Manual watering systems can only be used to water gardens and lawns between 6am-8am and 8pm-10pm on alternate days.
Automatic watering systems can only be used to water gardens and lawns between midnight-4am on alternate days.
A bucket, high pressure cleaning device or commercial car wash can be used to wash vehicles at any time.
(Alternate days means odd numbered houses can water on odd dates of the month and even numbered houses can water on even days of the month.)
Some Permanent Water Saving Rules which still apply include that hand-held hoses must be fitted with a trigger nozzle for garden and lawn watering, while hosing down driveways, paths, concrete and paved areas is not permitted.
Consult South East Water before filling a pool.
Under stage one water restrictions business and commercial customers have to comply with the same watering times and restrictions as residents.
Stage one water restrictions must be followed. If you are served with a warning notice and still breach the restrictions, you may have your water supply restricted and face fines or jail.
For more information visit www.southeastwater.com.au or call South East’s water restrictions hotline 131 867.