Permanent Water Saving Rules

Permanent Water Saving Rules (PWSR) are a set of common-sense rules that apply every day of the year to help all of us use water efficiently.

What are the key rules?

Handheld hoses

A handheld hose can be used at any time if it is fitted with a trigger nozzle and is leak free.
Vehicles can be cleaned at any time with a bucket or a handheld hose that is fitted with a trigger nozzle and is leak free.

Residential or commercial gardens and lawns

A residential garden or lawn can be watered using a handheld hose, bucket or watering can at any time, or a watering system between 6:00 pm to 10:00 am.

Public gardens, lawns and playing surfaces

Public gardens, lawns and playing surfaces can be watered using a handheld hose, bucket or watering can at any time, a watering system between 6:00 pm to 10:00 am, or in accordance with an approved Water Use Plan

Fountains and water features

Fountains and water features that use recirculated water only are permitted.

Cleaning hard surfaces

Driveways, paths, concrete, tiles and timber decking can only be cleaned using a high-pressure water cleaning device, a handheld hose or a bucket, and only if cleaning is required due to:
- an accident, fire, health hazard, safety hazard or other emergency
- staining to the surface has developed, and then only once a season
- construction or renovation.

Read our Permanent Water Saving Rules.
Check out our Summary Guide for tips on how to save water at home and work.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do the rules take effect?

PWSR are always in place to help manage our region’s water efficiently.

These rules were first introduced in 2011.

What happens if the rules are broken?

Breaking these rules could result in penalties.

Do these rules apply to everyone?

Yes. The rules apply across Victoria and are included in each water corporation's Permanent Water Saving Plan.

Do these rules prevent the need for additional water restrictions?

No. The rules will not prevent the need for additional water restrictions during drought periods. They help us use water more efficiently and encourage all Victorians to value this precious resource for the long term.

Why are these rules in place?

PWSR are always in place to help manage our water efficiently, to help secure our region’s water supplies into the future.

What is a watering system?

A watering system is:

an automatic watering system that is set to turn on and off automatically, at pre-determined times, without human intervention and, in the case of use for a public lawn or garden or playing surface, is also fitted with a rain or soil moisture sensor
an automatic watering system, operated manually, rather than automatically
a manual watering system

Water Restrictions By-law No.406

A revised Model Water Restrictions By-law was approved by the Minister for Water on 4 March 2022 following a community consultation process. Building on a previously adopted Model By-law, the new By-law places a greater emphasis on the use of alternative water for dust suppression and the need for an approved Water Use Plan for topping up a public pool or spa.

Central Highlands Water (CHW) has adopted the revised model by-law as the basis for a new Water Restriction By-law to apply within its water supply districts, to be known as ‘Water Restrictions By-law 406’.

The purpose of Water Restriction By-law 406 is to

promote the efficient use and conservation of supplied drinking water
set out four stages of restrictions on the use of supplied drinking water
specify things which must not be done while each stage of restriction persists
specify principles for considering applications for exemptions from particular restrictions
prescribe offences and penalties for the contravention of this By-law, including for which an infringement notice may be served
prescribe classes of persons for the purpose of issuing infringement notices.

View a fulll copy of the water restriction rules.

Enforcement and penalties

Permanent water saving rules (PWSR) are enforced under the Water Act (1989).

If you witness a breach of the rules, please contact us with details of the offence. An authorised water officer will investigate and report. Official warnings and on-the-spot fines can be issued for offences, and in severe cases, prosecution may be sought.

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