Melbourne's Water Restrictions to Change

Melbourne households will be able to water gardens at any time and wash cars at home for the first time in four years when water restrictions are eased to Stage 2 from 1 September 2010.

Melburnians will be able to:

• Use a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, watering can or bucket to water gardens at any time;
• Wash cars at home with either a bucket or a high pressure, water saving hose;
• Water gardens with a manual watering system between 6-8am and 8-10pm on alternate days (If you are aged over 70 you can water between 8-10am in the morning);
• Water gardens with an automatic watering system between midnight and 4am on alternate days; and
• Fill spas and smaller pools, such as children's inflatable play pools.
Watering on alternate days means that even and no-numbered houses can water on even dates of the month, odd numbered houses can water on odd dates of the month, and everyone can water on the 31st. Target 155 will continue under Stage 2 water restrictions. Stage 2 restrictions means there is more flexibility in how water is used. Melburnians are encouraged to employ commonsense and not water during the heat of the day when a lot of water is lost to evaporation.