Water Restrictions ??

[Redaussies]

What are the water restrictions like over in Australia. ? I'm looking for some first hand opinion on this. It must be quite a change for us Brits when the big move take's place and we find restrictions on water. I know some area's have the usual hose pipe ban sometimes found here in UK. Do you actually get water cuts as well (turned off) and if so how severe and how have people coped with this.

[tinbasher]

Hi in SA we can only use our sprinklers either Saturday or Sunday (depending on odd or even house number) during certain times and cars have to be washed using a bucket. There are other rules but those are the ones that affect us the most. I think it's a lot worse in other states, however they have talked about making it tougher over here. We've not had any rain for ages. So if you know a good rain dance that I can make my hubbie do then feel free to send the steps, the camper the better so that I can have a good laugh at him.

Mrs TinB

[Stuju]

Hi here on the Central Coast we are on level 4 water restriction the worst is level 5 which i hear is in Brisbane at the mo.
We are not allowed to wash cars,wash decks down or use any buckets,hose pipes etc unless using rain tank water - which peeps have to put a sign outside there house saying what water it is.
There are no drinking water fountains or beach showers working in and around the area and there is a threat of our area going on to level 5 if we dont get rain soon.

[johatts]

Originally Posted by Redaussies

What are the water restrictions like over in Australia. ? I'm looking for some first hand opinion on this. It must be quite a change for us Brits when the big move take's place and we find restrictions on water. I know some area's have the usual hose pipe ban sometimes found here in UK. Do you actually get water cuts as well (turned off) and if so how severe and how have people coped with this.

QLD are on level 5 restrictions.

Level 5 restrictions

Level 5 water restrictions apply in South East Queensland from 10 April.

Water restrictions are just one part of the Queensland Water Commission's water efficiency package for residents, business and government to help us beat this drought and create long-term savings.

The final restrictions have been released, following consultation with stakeholders, residents, industry groups and businesses. Read more on the consultation and your feedback.

Read the full set of Level 5 Water Restriction (PDF, 426KB) and our overview fact sheet (PDF, 458KB).

View frequently asked questions about Level 5 Restrictions.

What do the restrictions mean for residents?
Residents are being asked to make significant indoor water use savings - such as 4 minute showers. Specific restrictions include:
Gardens - only water existing gardens with buckets or watering cans on allocated days between 4pm–7pm. You can use tank or grey water at anytime.
Vehicles - only use a bucket to spot clean mirrors, lights, glass and number plates
Pools - From 1 July, only top up existing swimming pools from town water as a last resort and only where a rainwater tank or downpipe rainwater diverter is fitted and the premises complies with three of the following - a swimming pool cover, water efficient taps and showerheads, water efficient toilets, water efficient washing machine
New or renovated pools - may only be filled with water sourced from areas not under Level 5 restrictions (ie brought in by truck)
High water users – must submit a water use assessment form to audit their water use and identify saving opportunities.


Hope that answers your question for us here anyway! Pretty drastic isnt it

[calNgary]

The slogan here regarding showers is make it 4 min max and toilets '''if its yellow let it mellow ,if its brown flush it down !!''' ,,hosepipes are banned ,and car washing is out (yes!) other than quick windscreen cleans,,
Cal x

[Ian G]

Hi All,
Is there some reason that you can only water between 4pm–7pm?Just seems kinda strange but i'm sure there must be a good reason.

Cheers

Ian

[calNgary]

Hiya dont know really why but depending on your house number its certain days too ,we are an even number so are allowed 4-7 wed,fri and sun (i think),odd numbers are the other days ,if you have rain water tanks you are pretty open as to what you do with the water,its the town water which tastes yukk anyway that they are limiting.
Cal x

[cloughie]

Just to mention that the further north you go in queensland the less likley you are to have your water restricted.

SE Queensland could get to level 7 restrictions. Have heard rumours that there are plans to divert water in from North Queensland or NSW or both

[calNgary]

What i find nearly laugable is its the south east who are struggling and yet around every corner they are building new land estates ,,now is it just me but ''hello'' theres not enough water now ,never mind with the other thousand or so familys who are buying into this area move in,its about time all new builds were made to have compulsory rain water tanks ,,we should hopefully become self sufficent (near enough) if it rains enough to fill the tanks we have.For anyone whos never been you'd literally cry at the amount of water wasted when we have a good down pour,theres no such thing as drains to catch theres just drains that go nowere,,makes you wonder ??????The goverment want to pipe it from New South Wales but they are standing ground with a big NO !!
Cal x

[Ellie 2]

Originally Posted by Ian G

Hi All,
Is there some reason that you can only water between 4pm–7pm?Just seems kinda strange but i'm sure there must be a good reason.

Cheers

Ian

At that time of day the sun is going down and not as much water will be wasted thro' evaporation.