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Water restrictions exemptions

Exemptions from Level 3 restrictions may apply for some water use. All valid exemption permits granted during Level 1 and Level 2 restrictions continue to apply, with Level 3 conditions. Holders of a valid permit should have a Level 3 orange sticker. Customers seeking new exemptions should apply via this site. All exemptions are subject to change, following regular reviews as the drought progresses.

A permit is required to fill a new or renovated pools that hold more than 10,000 litres. This includes the filling of pools by residential customers, pool builders/renovators and non-residential pool owners. Phone Sydney Water on 13 20 92 to apply for this permit.

As a condition of your permit, owners of pools must install water efficient devices that restrict the flow of water in showers and taps.

Important information for all customers

Sydney Water may revoke your permit and/or issue you with an infringement notice if:

- the information provided in your application is found to be false
- water is being used for purposes other than those stated in your application
- you do not comply with all of the conditions detailed on your permit.

Exemption applications

Businesses that satisfy certain criteria may be eligible for exemptions.

Criteria for Exemptions
An exemption may be granted if:

  1. your activities require water for health and hygiene
  2. your activities require water for safety
  3. there is no feasible waterless alternative
  4. you will experience significant financial impact.

While the exemptions are designed to minimise the financial impact on businesses, they also save water. Therefore, while an exemption may allow a business to perform a restricted activity such as using sprinklers, it will include certain conditions to reduce the amount of water that is used overall.

Stickers provided for Level 1 and 2 restrictions must be removed and replaced with the Level 3 sticker. If you have not received your permit and sticker, please complete the Customer Exemption Enquiry Form.

Business customers who have not previously applied for exemptions
Under Level 3 Restrictions, an exemption is only valid when you have received a Level 3 Restrictions permit and sticker from Sydney Water.

There are no businesses that are automatically exempt from Level 3 Restrictions. If you have not previously applied for, or been granted an exemption, you will need to complete the Water Restriction – Business Exemption Application Form.

Before you complete the form you should check the conditions applicable for non-residential customers. Please note that you must satisfy at least some of the four exemption criteria listed above.

All successful applicants will receive (a) a permit stating the exemption granted and the conditions that they must comply with, and (b) an orange sticker to display prominently at their premises or on their vehicle or where the activity is undertaken.

Any permit issued is for the stated business activity only and is not valid when used by the permit holder or their employees for personal use.

If your business activities are not specified in the non-residential customers list, you may still apply for a Special Exemption. You will need to complete the Water Restriction – Business Exemption Application Form and include sufficient information to satisfy the criteria for exemptions.

Exemption applications for residential customers

Residential customers are generally not eligible to apply for exemptions except for:

Residential customers who need a special exemption may apply to Sydney Water for assessment on 13 20 92 during business hours.

Exemptions types and conditions for non-residential customers

TYPE A - EXEMPTIONS OF SPRINKLERS, WATERING SYSTEMS AND HAND-HELD HOSING

1A. USE OF WATER BY PLANT NURSERIES, TURF AND PROFESSIONAL GROWERS

This exemption applies to non-residential customers who need to use water at their registered business address(es) to maintain:

Sprinklers and watering systems
With this exemption, sprinklers and watering systems can be used between prescribed hours as outlined in the conditions below. Misting sprays operated on an automatic timing system may be used in enclosed greenhouses.

On hot days, when the Bureau of Meteorology forecasts the temperature to be 30 degrees or greater in Sydney Water's area of operations, nurseries may operate sprinklers or watering systems from 1 pm - 2 pm. This will apply if the Bureau has forecast the temperature on the day of the expected hot weather, or if the forecast is made the day before the expected hot weather.

Hosing of lawns and gardens
Hoses used for hand-held hosing of plants and turf must be fitted with a trigger nozzle or another attachment with an on/off switch. Hoses must not be left running unattended at any time.

Display beds or gardens where plants are not directly for sale are not covered by this exemption, but may be watered by:

Conditions

  1. Sprinklers and watering systems may operate from 6 am - 9 am and 5 pm - 8 pm.
  2. Misting sprays used for propagation must be controlled by an automatic device.
  3. Permitted to use drip irrigation systems as required for commercial growing or to maintain products that are for sale.
  4. Sprinklers and watering systems may operate from 1 pm - 2 pm on days when the Bureau of Meteorology forecasts temperatures of 30 degrees or greater.
  5. It is mandatory that hand-held hoses are fitted with a trigger nozzle or another attachment with an on/off switch.
  6. It is mandatory that hoses are not left running unattended at any time.
  7. A suitable backflow prevention containment device must be in place.
  8. Any standpipe that is used must be metered and issued or approved by Sydney Water.

2A. USE OF WATER FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW LAWN, GARDENS AND VEGETATION COVER BY COMMERCIAL CONTRACTORS

This exemption applies only to non-residential customers who need to establish new lawn, gardens and vegetation cover where the area to be established is greater than 70 square metres.

This exemption does not apply for the maintenance of existing lawns, gardens or vegetation cover. These areas may be watered by:

Note: A limited exemption for the establishment of new lawn may apply to residential customers with brand new homes or where major home renovation works have resulted in damage to the lawn. Residential customers should apply for exemption by phoning Sydney Water on 13 20 92 during business hours.

Sprinklers and watering systems
This exemption allows the limited use of sprinklers and watering systems for a maximum period of eight weeks for:

Hosing of lawns and gardens
Hoses used for hand-held hosing of lawns and gardens must be fitted with a trigger nozzle or another attachment with an on/off switch. Hoses must not be left running unattended at any time.

Conditions

  1. The area to be watered must be greater than 70 square metres.
  2. The permit holder or an employee granted exemption must be present at the work site during daylight hours when the sprinklers or watering systems are operational.
  3. Sprinklers and watering systems may operate for a maximum period of eight weeks from the commencement of work in laying new lawn or planting seeds and vegetation cover within the following periods only:
    • 1 am - 4 am
    • 6 am - 9 am
    • 5 pm - 8 pm
  4. On the day turf is laid, sprinklers or watering systems may operate during daylight hours for a maximum period of 30 minutes per individual sprinkler head or sprinkler location. The delivery docket for the turf must be retained and supplied to an inspector on request.
  5. Permitted to use drip irrigation systems as required during the period while the commercial contractor is responsible for maintaining the site.
  6. It is mandatory that hand-held hoses be fitted with a trigger nozzle or another attachment with an on/off switch.
  7. It is mandatory that hoses are not left running unattended at any time.
  8. A suitable backflow prevention containment device must be in place.
  9. Any standpipe that is used must be metered and issued or approved by Sydney Water.

3A. USE OF WATER BY MARKET GARDENERS, INCLUDING ROSE AND FLOWER GROWERS

This exemption applies to market gardeners who need to use water for limited periods at their registered business address/es to maintain healthy crops that are highly susceptible to heat stress and leaf burns.

Sprinklers and watering systems
Sprinklers and watering systems may operate for a maximum of 20 minutes within each two-hour period.

Hosing of lawns and gardens
Hoses used for hand-held hosing of plants and crops must be fitted with a trigger nozzle or other attachment with an on/off switch. Hoses must not be left running unattended at any time.

Conditions

  1. Sprinklers and watering systems may operate for a maximum of 20 minutes within each two-hour period commencing at 4 am and finishing at 8 pm.
  2. It is mandatory that hand-held hoses be fitted with a trigger nozzle or another attachment with an on/off switch.
  3. It is mandatory that hoses are not left running unattended at any time.
  4. Permitted to use drip irrigation systems as required for commercial growing or to maintain products that are for sale.
  5. A suitable backflow prevention containment device must be in place.
  6. Any standpipe that is used must be metered and issued or approved by Sydney Water.

4A. USE OF WATER ON SPORTS GROUNDS AND MARKED PLAYING FIELDS

This exemption applies to non-residential customers who need to use water to maintain safe playing surfaces on active sports grounds and fields that are marked and used for organised contact sports and physical activities.

This exemption is limited to grass surfaces on:

Sprinklers and watering systems
Sprinklers and watering systems may operate at approved locations for limited periods on Mondays only. They may also operate for a limited period immediately following the application of pesticides and fungicides in accordance with regulatory requirements.

The practice of using water from the drinking water supply to fill dams that are then used as the water supply for sprinklers and watering systems is prohibited.

It is recommended that a rain sensor and soil moisture sensor be installed to maximise the efficiency of your watering system.

Hosing of lawns and gardens
Professional ground persons may water playing surfaces on active sports grounds and fields at approved locations by hand-held hosing before 10 am and after 4 pm.

Hoses used for hand-held hosing of playing surfaces must be fitted with a trigger nozzle or other attachment with an on/off switch. Hoses must not be left running unattended at any time.

Conditions

  1. Only grass surfaces can be granted exemptions. All other surfaces may not be watered at any time.
  2. Sprinklers and watering systems may operate from 6 am - 9 am and 5 pm - 8 pm on Mondays only.
  3. Automatic watering systems may also be programmed to operate on active sporting fields from 1 am - 4 am on Mondays only.
  4. Sprinklers and watering systems may operate immediately after the application of pesticides and fungicides for a maximum period of one hour.
  5. Professional grounds persons may water by hand-held hosing before 10 am and after 4 pm.
  6. It is mandatory that hand-held hoses be fitted with a trigger nozzle or other attachment with an on/off switch.
  7. It is mandatory that hoses are not left running unattended at any time.
  8. A suitable backflow prevention containment device must be in place.
  9. Any standpipe that is used must be metered and issued or approved by Sydney Water.

5A. USE OF WATER FOR BOWLING GREENS AND CROQUET LAWNS

This exemption applies to bowling greens and croquet lawns only.

Sprinklers and watering systems
Watering systems may operate on bowling greens and croquet lawns on Mondays only. These extended periods will allow the watering of all greens and lawns on Mondays. This exemption applies to all types of watering systems.

Clubs should make every effort to minimise their overall water usage, which will be monitored by Sydney Water.

Conditions

  1. Sprinklers and watering systems may operate from 1 am - 9 am and 5 pm - 8 pm on Mondays only.
  2. Professional grounds persons may only water by hand-held hosing before 10 am and after 4 pm.
  3. It is mandatory that hand-held hoses be fitted with a trigger nozzle or other attachment with an on/off switch.
  4. It is mandatory that hoses are not left running unattended at any time.
  5. A suitable backflow prevention containment device must be in place.
  6. Any standpipe that is used must be metered and issued or approved by Sydney Water.

Pesticides, herbicides and fungicides
The use of sprinklers or watering systems after the application of pesticides, herbicides and/or fungicides must be limited to Mondays during the allocated watering periods only. If pesticides, herbicides and/or fungicides need to be applied at any other time, the following watering methods may be used:

Hosing of lawns and gardens
Professional grounds persons may only water bowling greens and croquet lawns by hand-held hosing before 10 am and after 4 pm.

Hoses used for hand-held hosing of greens and lawns must be fitted with a trigger nozzle or another attachment with an on/off switch. Hoses must not be left running unattended at any time.

Renovations

A limited exemption has been granted to clubs to renovate two bowling greens or croquet lawns whilst Level 3 water restrictions remain in place. Individual clubs must apply for this limited exemption, advise the date they intend to commence renovations and nominate the names of the two greens or their numbers on the application. Any club who has applied to renovate a green since August 2005 does not need to reapply.

Renovation is regarded as the practice of coring and top-dressing or scarifying and top-dressing the entire surface.

Greens or croquet lawns under renovation may be watered on Mondays within the periods permitted in your existing exemption. In addition, sprinklers and watering systems will also be able to operate for a maximum period of one hour on Thursdays between 1.00am and 9.00am for six weeks from the commencement of the renovation.

Greenkeepers should closely monitor the situation to ensure water usage is limited to only that which is essential for the renovation. Once the renovation period is finished, the exemptions granted for sprinklers and watering systems will apply.

Should a club have a special need for an additional renovation they are to make a specific exemption application to Sydney Water.

6A. USE OF WATER FOR GOLF COURSES WITH NO ALTERNATIVE SUPPLY

This exemption applies to all golf courses that use potable water supplied by Sydney Water for irrigation purposes.

This exemption also applies when drinking water is used in combination with water from another supply.

Fairways and roughs are not covered by this exemption, but may be watered by:

Sprinklers and watering systems
Sprinklers and watering systems may operate on greens and tees on limited days for a maximum period of 10 minute cycles per individual sprinkler head only.

Sprinklers and watering systems may operate for a limited period immediately following the application of pesticides and fungicides on greens only, in accordance with regulatory requirements.

Water from all other sources, including recycled water, rainwater tanks not connected to the mains supply, bore water and water extracted from rivers, is not covered by these restrictions. However, good water wise behaviour is recommended for all water use.

The practice of using water from the drinking water supply to fill dams that are then used as the water supply for sprinklers and watering systems is prohibited.

Hosing of lawns and gardens
Professional grounds persons may only water greens and tees by hand-held hosing before 10 am and after 4 pm.

Hoses must be fitted with a trigger nozzle or another attachment with an on/off switch. Hoses must not be left running unattended at any time.

Conditions

  1. Sprinklers and watering systems may operate on greens and tees for a maximum period of 10 minutes per individual sprinkler head between 1 am and 4 am only as follows:
    • greens may be watered on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only
    • tees may be watered on Wednesdays and Sundays only.
  2. Sprinklers and watering systems may operate immediately after the application of pesticides and fungicides for a maximum period of 30 minutes between 6 am and 9 am only.
  3. Professional grounds persons may only water by hand-held hosing before 10 am and after 4 pm.
  4. It is mandatory that hand-held hoses be fitted with a trigger nozzle or other attachment with an on/off switch.
  5. It is mandatory that hoses are not left running unattended at any time.
  6. A suitable backflow prevention containment device must be in place.
  7. Any standpipe that is used must be metered and issued or approved by Sydney Water.

7A. USE OF WATER FOR COOLING BY POULTRY FARMERS AND BIRD AVIARIES

This exemption applies to poultry farm businesses and bird aviaries that need to use water for heat reduction within sheds and aviaries in operations such as, but not limited to:

Sprinklers and watering systems
Sprinklers and watering systems may operate during hot weather.

Conditions
These systems should only be used when necessary due to high temperatures.

TYPE B - EXEMPTIONS FROM HOSING HARD SURFACES, INCLUDING VEHICLES

Sydney Water residential customers are now permitted to wash cars, boats and caravans at home with a hose as long as a trigger nozzle is fitted. You may also clean the windows and walls of your house with a hose as long as a trigger nozzle is fitted.

The current business exemptions that apply to vehicles remain in place.

The following water uses are not restricted and exemptions are not required:

1B. USE OF WATER FOR VEHICLE CLEANING

Sydney Water residential customers are now permitted to wash cars, boats and caravans at home with a hose as long as a trigger nozzle is fitted. You may also clean the windows and walls of your house with a hose as long as a trigger nozzle is fitted.

The current business exemptions that apply to vehicles remain in place. Where possible, please ensure vehicles are washed on grass and that run-off onto hard surfaces does not occur.

i) USE OF WATER FOR WASHING VEHICLES (EXCEPT DISPLAY VEHICLES)

This exemption applies to non-residential customers who need to clean large numbers of vehicles including cars, trucks, trailers, caravans, motorcycles, boats and buses as an essential part of their business operation. This exemption includes:

Mobile vehicle detailers are only permitted to wash vehicles by hose on a portable car wash mat or in an area protected by portable bunds that do not allow water to pass through. Any wastewater run-off from cleaning operations must be collected and discharged at appropriate premises that have a valid Sydney Water Trade Waste permit or agreement or diverted to prevent discharge into the gutter or stormwater system.

Conditions

  1. It is mandatory that vehicles are washed in a designated vehicle wash bay with a valid Sydney Water Trade Waste permit or agreement (excludes moored boats).
  2. Mobile vehicle detailers must use a portable car wash mat or portable bunding.
  3. High pressure water cleaning equipment or a device that limits the flow of water to 10 litres or less per minute must be used when cleaning hard surfaces. The device may be installed in the tap, hose or trigger nozzle.
  4. Hand held hoses must be fitted with a trigger nozzle or another attachment with an on/off mechanism.
  5. It is mandatory that hoses are not left running or unattended.
  6. A suitable backflow prevention containment device must be in place.
  7. The management of any wastewater run-off from cleaning operations that does not discharge to the sewer should comply with the requirements of the local council and the NSW Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC).
  8. Any standpipe that is used must be metered and issued or approved by Sydney Water.

ii) USE OF WATER FOR WASHING VEHICLES ON DISPLAY

This exemption applies to vehicles on display only. These vehicles may be cleaned using water subject to the conditions listed below.

Conditions

  1. It is mandatory that water is used for rinsing vehicles only (no detergents may be used).
  2. Vehicles may only be washed one day a week (either Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday mornings between 4 am and 9 am). The customer will nominate the day for cleaning.
  3. High pressure water cleaning equipment or a device that limits the flow of water to 10 litres or less per minute must be used when cleaning hard surfaces. The device may be installed in the tap, hose or trigger nozzle.
  4. Hand held hoses must be fitted with a trigger nozzle or another attachment with an on/off mechanism.
  5. It is mandatory that hoses are not left running or unattended.
  6. A suitable backflow prevention containment device must be in place.
  7. The management of any wastewater run-off from cleaning operations that does not discharge to the sewer should comply with the requirements of the local council and the NSW Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC).
  8. Any standpipe that is used must be metered and issued or approved by Sydney Water.

2B. USE OF WATER BY PROFESSIONAL HIGH PRESSURE CLEANING OPERATORS

This exemption applies to non-residential customers who need to use high pressure water cleaning equipment (such as Gerni Water Blasters and RotaCleen) in their business operations for:

It is requested that brooms or other waterless alternatives are used for cleaning whenever possible. Hoses must only be used for cleaning when a broom is unable to satisfactorily clean the surface to maintain an acceptable standard of public health and safety or when there is no feasible waterless alternative.

Conditions

  1. It is mandatory that high pressure cleaning equipment is used when cleaning.
  2. A suitable backflow prevention containment device must be in place.
  3. The management of any wastewater run-off from cleaning operations that does not discharge to the sewer should comply with the requirements of the local council and the NSW Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC).
  4. Any standpipe that is used must be metered and issued or approved by Sydney Water.

3B. USE OF WATER FOR HOSING HARD SURFACES FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND HYGIENE REASONS

This exemption applies to non-residential customers who need to use water to spot clean hard surfaces such as paths, floors and contaminated surfaces for public health and safety only. This limited exemption includes:

This exemption ONLY applies where it is necessary to spot clean using water for public health and safety. It is requested that brooms or other waterless alternatives, including outdoor blowers or vacuums, are used for cleaning whenever possible. Hoses must only be used when a broom cannot satisfactorily spot clean the surface to maintain an acceptable standard of public health and safety.

Sydney Water will conduct regular audits and you may be asked to demonstrate the health and hygiene risks that necessitate the use of water for cleaning. Fines will apply for the unauthorised use of water.

Conditions

  1. It is mandatory that water is used for spot cleaning affected areas only. The indiscriminate use of water is prohibited.
  2. High pressure water cleaning equipment or a device that limits the flow of water to 10 litres or less per minute must be used when cleaning hard surfaces. The device may be installed in the tap, hose or trigger nozzle.
  3. Hand held hoses must be fitted with a trigger nozzle or another attachment with an on/off mechanism.
  4. A suitable backflow prevention containment device must be in place.
  5. The management of any wastewater run-off from cleaning operations that does not discharge to the sewer should comply with the requirements of the local council and the NSW Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC).
  6. Any standpipe that is used must be metered and issued or approved by Sydney Water.

4B. USE OF WATER BY CLEANING CONTRACTORS

This exemption applies to non-residential customers who operate professional cleaning businesses and are required to use water to protect public health and safety as there is no feasible waterless alternative. These activities include but are not limited to:

This exemption ONLY applies where it is necessary to spot clean using water for public health and safety. It is requested that brooms or other waterless alternatives, including outdoor blowers or vacuums, are used for cleaning whenever possible. Hoses must only be used when a broom is unable to satisfactorily spot clean the surface to maintain an acceptable standard of public health and safety.

Sydney Water will conduct regular audits and you may be asked to demonstrate the health and hygiene risks that necessitate the use of water for cleaning. Fines will apply for the unauthorised use of water.

Conditions

  1. It is mandatory that water is used for spot cleaning affected areas only. The indiscriminate use of water is prohibited.
  2. High pressure water cleaning equipment or a device that limits the flow of water to 10 litres or less per minute must be used when cleaning hard surfaces. The device may be installed in the tap, hose or trigger nozzle.
  3. Hand held hoses must be fitted with a trigger nozzle or another attachment with an on/off mechanism.
  4. A suitable backflow prevention containment device must be in place.
  5. The management of any wastewater run-off from cleaning operations that does not discharge to the sewer should comply with the requirements of the local council and the NSW Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC).
  6. Any standpipe that is used must be metered and issued or approved by Sydney Water.

5B. USE OF WATER FOR CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

This exemption applies to non-residential customers who need to use water during construction and maintenance activities to successfully complete the project and to maintain a safe work environment. These operations include but are not limited to:

It is requested that brooms or other waterless alternatives are used for cleaning whenever possible. Hoses must only be used for cleaning when a broom or other alternative cannot satisfactorily clean the surface to maintain an acceptable standard of public health and safety.

Truck wheel wash facilities should be provided whenever possible.

Conditions

  1. High pressure water cleaning equipment or a device that limits the flow of water to 10 litres or less per minute must be used when cleaning hard surfaces.
  2. Hand held hoses must be fitted with a trigger nozzle or another attachment with an on/off mechanism. The device may be installed in the tap, hose or trigger nozzle.
  3. The management of any wastewater run-off from cleaning operations that does not discharge to the sewer should comply with the requirements of the local council and the NSW Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC).
  4. Any standpipe that is used must be metered and issued or approved by Sydney Water.

Application consent:

I have read Sydney Water's list of exemptions from water restrictions.

My business activity is included in the list of approved activities and meets the relevant conditions. I wish to formally apply for an exemption.

OR

My business activity meets the exemption criteria detailed above but is unable to meet all of the conditions set out. I wish to apply for a special exemption.

OR

My business activity does not meet the exemption criteria detailed above, but I wish to apply for a special exemption.