Water Restrictions – How Business Owners Can Ensure they are not in breach of water restrictions
Tue 18 Sep 2018
Level One Water Restrictions are currently in place in the Shoalhaven and will remain until significant rainfalls are received. For businesses that require the use of water outside of normal restriction levels, Shoalhaven Water has a broad list of business concessions or variations that operate during Level 1 and 2 Water Restrictions. If these variations are not reasonably suitable for a business operation or the business is not listed, then the business owner must apply for a Special Variation.
To avoid unnecessary disruption, there is an overview for Level One business operations which might involve standard variations:
- Building maintenance or Construction – Hand-held trigger operated hose or pressure washer may be used at any time including washing of hard surfaces.
- Pools and Spas with regard to new pools or maintenance - No standard variations apply.
- Aquatic Centres and Commercial Pools - Automatic pool water level management systems may be left operating. Hosing of lawns, gardens and hard surfaces to be in accordance with general restrictions unless for the maintenance of public health or Workplace Health and Safety purposes hosing of hard surfaces by a hand-held trigger operated hose.
- Schools, Sports Grounds and Recreational Areas (includes Golf Clubs and Bowling Greens) - Automatic watering systems connected to a timer may be used. Manual watering systems: No standard variations apply. Golf Clubs limited to tees and greens only.
- Private, Public Gardens and Lawn Works (includes laying of new turf) - No standard variations apply.
- Wholesale and Retail Garden or Nursery (includes watering plants and turf farms) - Sprinklers may be used any time but must be fixed to a timer. Automatic watering systems may be used at any time.
- Motor Vehicle, Boat and Caravan Dealers / Detailers / Manufacturer - Hand-held hose or pressure washers may be used at any time including washing on hard surfaces.
- Commercial Car Wash - Hand-held hose or pressure washers may be used at any time including washing vehicles on hard surfaces.
- Commercial and Government Vehicles with respect to windscreens, number plates, reflective surfaces, lights, interiors, trays for health, safety and operational requirements. Hand-held hose or pressure washers may be used at any time including washing vehicles on hard surfaces.
Mayor Amanda Findley said, “We understand that running a business is hard enough and want to ensure that business owners who require the use of water to assist in running their business, have the appropriate permission and access to the water they require, whilst still being water wise. If you are unsure, please contact Shoalhaven Water and explain your circumstances so the staff can assist you in what if any paperwork you require.”
Water Restriction levels may change in the coming months and your business may need to make an application for a special variation. To learn more, visit the Shoalhaven Water’s website at http://shoalwater.nsw.gov.au and look for the Water Restriction Standard Variations guide for commercial users.
Penalties of up to $2,200 can be imposed for non-compliance with Water Restrictions.
Should you have any further enquiries contact Shoalhaven Water on 1300 662 246.
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Issued by Alison Turner, Media Co-Ordinator
(02) 4429 3595 | alison.turner@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au
For all media releases visit www.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/My-Council/Media-releases