Limited exemptions has been granted for some customers.

NEW TURF EXEMPTION FOR RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS WITH NEW OR RENOVATED HOMES

Residential customers are generally not eligible to apply for exemptions from the mandatory water restrictions. However, a limited exemption has been granted to some customers with newly built or renovated homes. For renovated homes this exemption will only apply to properties where the replacement of lawn is considered necessary as a direct result of damage caused by construction activity.

This exemption is subject to change, following regular reviews, as the drought progresses.

Residential customers should not apply online for this exemption, but should contact Sydney Water on 13 20 92 during business hours and select ‘Option 2 for Water Restrictions’.

1C. USE OF WATER FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW LAWN AREAS BY RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS WITH NEWLY BUILT OR RENOVATED HOMES

This exemption applies to residential customers with newly built or renovated homes who need to establish a new lawn. 

This limited exemption applies only to newly constructed or renovated homes where the replacement of lawn is considered necessary as a direct result of damage caused by construction activity.

It covers:

• Laying new turf
• Sowing lawn seed.

This exemption does not apply to the maintenance of existing lawns, gardens or vegetation cover. These areas may be watered by using a hand-held hose before 10.00 am and after 4.00 pm on Wednesdays and Sundays.

This exemption allows the limited use of sprinklers/watering systems or a hand-held hose for a maximum period of eight weeks. You must contact Sydney Water for approval before commencing to water the new lawn or lawn seed outside of the approved times on Wednesday and Sunday.

A Water Restrictions Patrol Officer will visit your property as soon as possible after this date to:

• Confirm your property meets the exemption criteria and advise whether you may use a sprinkler/watering system or a hand-held hose.
• Provide approved customers with an exemption permit to display at your property.

Valid During Level 3 Water Restrictions

NEW LAWN AREAS GREATER THAN 70 SQUARE METRES

Condition:

• Sprinklers and watering systems may be used for a maximum of 15 minutes only within each watering period for up to eight weeks from the commencement of work (subject to approval) in laying new lawn or planting lawn seed as follows:

Days 1 – 14 (15 minutes maximum within each of the following periods only):

• 6.00 am – 9.00 am daily
• 12.00 pm – 2.00 pm daily
• 5.00 pm – 8.00 pm daily

Days 15 – 28 (15 minutes maximum within the following period only):

• 6.00 am – 9.00 am daily

Days 29 – 56 (15 minutes maximum within the following period only):

• 6.00 am – 9.00 am on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays only.

Please note:

During Level Three water restrictions all customers may water their lawns and gardens using a hand-held hose before 10.00 am and after 4.00 pm on Wednesdays and Sundays. However, we suggest that you wet your new turf for a maximum of 15 minutes within these periods to prevent over-watering.

Valid During Level 3 Water Restrictions

Exemption conditions for new lawn

This limited exemption applies only to newly built or renovated homes where the replacement of lawn is considered necessary as a direct result of damage caused by construction activity.

Please note:

During Level Three water restrictions all customers may water their lawns and gardens using a hand-held hose before 10.00 am and after 4.00 pm on Wednesdays and Sundays. However, we suggest that you water your new turf for a maximum of 15 minutes within these periods to prevent over-watering.

*This information is taken directly from the Sydney Water Website