Water Restriction FAQ's
Why do we need water restrictions?
Yass Valley Council will introduce level one water restrictions across the Yass Valley from Wednesday 25 February, following continued low rainfall, hot, dry conditions and dropping dam levels.
The storage level of Yass Dam has fallen below 81%, triggering the introduction of restrictions to help conserve water supplies. The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting ongoing warm and dry weather in the coming weeks without any significant rainfall, which is expected to increase water demand and accelerate evaporation.
What does this mean for residents (private users)?
Level one restrictions focus on reducing non-essential outdoor water use. This includes limiting sprinkler use, household car washing, reducing pool filling and the hosing of hard surfaces.
Under level one restrictions, sprinklers may only be used every second day between 6.00pm and 9.00pm, with odd-numbered houses permitted to water on odd-numbered days and even-numbered houses on even-numbered days. Households occupied only by elderly residents may water in the morning between 7.00am and 10.00am on alternate days.
Car washing is limited to once a week on grassed surfaces, pools can only be topped up with hoses, and hosing hard surfaces is limited to emergency clean-ups. Gardens can be watered anytime with a watering can or bucket.
What does this mean for businesses (commercial users)?
Businesses are subject to the same level of restrictions as private users, except with regards to vehicle washing there are no restrictions on commercial vehicle wash facilities.
What does this mean for public sector users (Council and Government users)?
Businesses are subject to the same level of restrictions as private users, except with regards to use of sprinklers in parks, ovals and gardens that can be watered at minimum level for sustainability.
What is the full list of level one restrictions?
- Use of sprinklers – including pop-ups and micro-sprays or handheld hoses or drippers in accordance with the following schedule:
- Even street numbered houses, 6.00 pm. to 9.00 pm on even numbered days
- Odd street numbered houses 6.00 pm. to 9.00 pm on odd numbered days
- Houses only with elderly people are allowed to water between 7.00am and 10.00am on alternative days.
- Public parks, oval and gardens to be watered at minimum level for sustainability.
- Washing vehicles – only allowed on grassed rather than paved surfaces no more than once a week with bucket/watering can/handheld hose with trigger nozzle or high pressure/low volume cleaner (no restriction on commercial vehicle wash facilities).
- Pools - Filling and topping up pools by hand-held hose only (pool covers encouraged).
- Gardens - Buckets and watering cans can be used anytime for essential garden watering.
- Hosing Hard Surfaces - No hosing of hard surfaces (unless necessary cleaning is required as a result of accident, fire, health hazard or other emergency).
Who is affected by the water restrictions?
The water restrictions apply to all customers connected to the Yass water supply network, including Yass town and the village areas of Murrumbateman, Bowning and Binalong. If you receive water rate notices, the restrictions apply to you.
If you access water from a rain or bore-fed water tank, or purchase your water privately, (i.e. tanks not filled from the Yass Water Supply) the restrictions do not apply. You should adopt waterwise practices to manage your water sources in the ongoing dry weather.
Where can I find the Yass Valley Council Water Restriction Policy?
For full details about what each level of water restrictions involves, the Yass Valley Council Water Supply Restrictions Policy can be accessed here:
You can monitor dam storage levels via Council’s live dashboard here:
How long will the water restrictions be in place?
Yass Valley Council uses data from the weather forecast, dam levels and trend in water consumption rates to determine the necessary level of water restriction and duration. If there is significant rainfall that results in an increase in the water storage level of the Dam over and above 81%, water restrictions will be eased. If hot, dry weather continues and the level of the Dam drops to 74%, level two restrictions will be implemented.
Water restrictions introduced shall be at a level considered necessary to achieve the required reduction in demand to preserve security of water supply.
Can I still use the standpipe?
Under level one restrictions, commercial users can continue to access water Council standpipes in accordance with existing arrangements and payment of appropriate fees and charges.
During Level 4 and 5 water restrictions, Council’s Standpipe Supply will be restricted to residential requirements only within the LGA.
Unauthorised withdrawal of water from street hydrants is illegal and should be reported to the Council at 02 6226 1477 or via email at council@yass.nsw.gov.au by providing details.
Who can use the street hydrants?
Yass Valley Council would also like to remind people that the street hydrants are vital for public safety and water can only be taken from street hydrants for emergency purposes. If you see someone using a hydrant for unauthorised use, please let Council know via Snap, Send & Solve, phone Customer Services on 02 6226 1477 or email at council@yass.nsw.gov.au.
Can I apply for an exemption?
Customers may apply for exemptions to this policy. Yass Valley Council may authorise exemptions from water restriction on completion of an application and payment of the appropriate fee published in the Council’s Fees and Charge (currently $96.82).
Exemptions will be considered on the individual circumstances considering any water saving measures that have been installed by the applicant. Exemptions can be applied for by emailing council@yass.nsw.gov.au
If you have questions, please contact our Customer Services Team on 02 6226 1477 or via email at council@yass.nsw.gov.au