What are Waterwise measures?

Published on 13 February 2026

As the summer warm weather continues, Yass water supply users are being urged to be Waterwise as the capacity of Yass Dam hovers around the 83% level.

Despite the recent welcome rain, the BOM is predicting a run of warm to very hot dry days over the next few weeks which will continue the high demand in water and accelerated evaporation levels.

Yass Valley Council are monitoring the continuing drop of the Dam levels, and based on the current weather forecast predict that Level One level restrictions, which are enforced when the Yass Dam levels reach 81%, will be necessary within 7-10 days.

Level One water restrictions, which are based on limiting non-essential outdoor water usage, include:

• Reduced sprinkler/hose use that does not cause pooling or run-off
• Washing vehicles on grassed rather than paved surfaces no more than once a week with bucket/hose (no restriction on commercial vehicle wash facilities)
• Filling pools by hand-held hose only
• Buckets and watering cans can be used anytime for essential garden watering
• No hosing of hard surfaces (unless necessary cleaning is required as a result of accident, fire, health hazard or other emergency)

Whilst we wait for rain, residents are encourage to adopt the above waterwise measures to conserve water.

Council will advise the community if and when enforceable Stage One restrictions are required.

For full details about what each stage of water restrictions involves and the Water Supply Restrictions Policy can be accessed at this link:

Water Supply Restrictions Policy

You can monitor dam storage levels via Council’s live dashboard at this link:

Live Dam Storage Levels

If you have questions, please contact our Customer Services Team on 02 6226 1477 or via email at council@yass.nsw.gov.au