Permanent Water Saving Rules
Permanent Water Saving Rules (PWSRs) are a series of common sense rules that all customers supplied water by Westernport Water are obliged to follow day to day to ensure water is not wasted. These rules are set out in legislative instruments known as Permanent Water Saving Plans and are in place on a permanent and ongoing basis, even when water restrictions are not required.
PWSRs aim to promote efficient and sensible use of water without significantly restricting customer choice and flexibility. They reflect the value that Victorians place on water, and the community view that water is a precious resource that should not be wasted.
The Permanent Water Saving Rules consists of five simple and easy-to remember rules, which will ensure the efficient use of water and avoid water wastage on a permanent, ongoing basis. These rules are consistent across all of Victoria.
 | Hand held hoses – A hand held hose MUST be fitted with a trigger nozzle and be leak free. It can be used to wash your car and water your gardens and lawns at any time. |
 | Residential or Commercial gardens and lawns – A residential or commercial garden or lawn can be watered with a hand held hose at any time, or by means of a watering system between the hours of 6pm and 10am on any day. |
 | Public gardens, lawns and playing surfaces – A public garden or lawn area or a playing surface can be watered with a hand held hose at any time, or by means of a watering system (fitted with a rain/soil moisture sensor) between the hours of 6pm and 10am on any day. Public gardens, lawns and playing surfaces can also be watered in accordance with an approved Water Use Plan. |
 | Fountains and water features – Water cannot be used in a fountain or water feature unless the fountain or water feature recirculates the water. |
 | Cleaning hard surfaces – Water cannot be used to clean hard surfaces (including driveways, paths, concrete, tiles, timber decking) except where cleaning is required as a result of a hazard or accident, or in the course of construction/renovation. Hard surfaces can be washed if staining to the surface has developed, but only once per season |
Exemptions
Westernport Water may grant exemptions from water rules or restrictions in special circumstances.
For information regarding the circumstances under which an exemption may be granted and how to apply, please visit our Exemptions and Water Use Plans page.
Model Water Restriction By-Law 106
Read more about the Model Water Restriction By-Law here – Model Water Restriction By-law 106
