Water restrictions in Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Illawarra revert to Level 1 from today, March 1, with Sydney dam levels over 80 per cent.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said easing back to Level 1 water restrictions would provide some relief to residents and businesses.
“People have been very patient and we appreciate that. The rain event that swept across the east coast of New South Wales earlier this month increased dam levels by 40 per cent, with total dam storages currently at 82 per cent,” Mrs Pavey said.
Mrs Pavey said while the rain was welcomed it was too early to ascertain if the weather was returning to some normality.
“The last time Sydney’s Dam levels were over 80 per cent was in April 2018. Since then they have been declining at the fastest rate on record at 0.5 per cent a week,” Mrs Pavey said.
“Until we are confident the weather patterns are normalizing, Level 1 restrictions will remain in place, so Sydney residents have some stability in their water habits.
“This drought is a reminder that water is our most precious resource and that saving water needs to be a way of life for us.”
Level 1 water restrictions include using a hose with a trigger nozzle only before 10am and after 4pm. Residents and businesses cannot leave hoses running unattended, or use standard sprinklers and watering systems at any time.
Mrs Pavey acknowledged people have been patient and applauded their efforts to reduce the amount of water being used annually – from 200L per person per day in 2017, to 180L today.
“Despite a 26 per cent increase in population, the total demand for drinking water remains lower than it did before mandatory restrictions were introduced in late 2003.”
Fines still apply for breaches of water restrictions – $220 for residential breaches and $550 for businesses. Exemptions will be available for non-residential customers. For a full list of requirements for Level 1 water restrictions visit: lovewater.sydney.
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