Permanent Water Saving Rules

Water is a precious, finite resource and we all have a responsibility to use it wisely. The permanent water saving rules are a common-sense set of rules to help reduce demand on water and use it efficiently.

They're in place every day of the year, right across Victoria.

Under the permanent water saving rules:

  • Sprinklers or automatic watering systems can be used after 6pm and before 10am 
  • Handheld hoses can be used any time if a trigger nozzle is attached
  • Brooms or blowers should be used to clean hard surfaces
  • Use a bucket or handheld hose with trigger nozzle to clean cars and other vehicles
  • Fountains and water features must recirculate water.

Please note: These rules will not apply in the case of an accident, fire, safety hazard or emergency in respect to the health of people or animals.

Our Permanent Water Saving Plan and associated rules are in accordance with the Water Restrictions By-Law 513 (PDF, 1,869kB) as approved by the Minister.

Leaking taps should be fixed as soon as possible.

Current water restrictions

There are currently no towns in Goulburn Valley Water's service area on staged water restrictions - all residents must follow the Permanent Water Saving Rules.

Exemptions

Under special circumstances, you can apply for an exemption from the permanent water saving rules or apply for a Water Use Plan during staged water restrictions. Apply using our online form here.

Enforcement and penalties

Permanent Water Saving Rules are enforced under the Water Act.

If you see someone breaching the rules, please contact us with the details of the offence and one of our officers will investigate. Official warnings and on-the-spot fines can be issued for offences, while serious breaches may result in prosecution.

For more details, download our PWSR Brochure, or for tips on how to conserve water visit our FAQ page.

Current Water Restrictions

Key:  Permanent Permanent   Stage 1 Stage 1   Stage 2 Stage 2   Stage 3 Stage 3   Stage 4 Stage 4

Town Restriction Town Restriction Town Restriction

Alexandra

Katunga

Sawmill Settlement

Avenel

Kilmore

Seymour

Barmah

Kirwan’s Bridge

Shepparton

Bonnie Doon

Kyabram

Stanhope

Broadford

Longwood

Strathbogie

Buxton

Mangalore

Strathmerton

Clonbinane

Mansfield

Tallarook

Cobram

Marysville

Tallygaroopna

Colbinabbin

Merrigum

Tatura

Congupna

Merrijig

Thornton

Corop

Molesworth

Tongala

Dookie

Mooroopna

Toolamba

Eildon

Murchison

Violet Town

Euroa

Nagambie

Wandong

Girgarre

Nathalia

Woods Point

Goulburn Weir

Numurkah

Wunghnu

Heathcote Junction

Picola

Yea

Katamatite

Pyalong

Yarroweyah

Katandra West

Rushworth

   

Water is a precious resource and we recognise the need to use it wisely.

Permanent Water Saving Rules are a set of common-sense rules to reduce water demand and encourage us to water efficiently. These rules are uniform across Victoria and they form part of our Permanent Water Saving Plan.

In times of severe drought, we may introduce staged water restrictions to ensure water supply and sustainability in our service area.