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Water - A Precious Resource |
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Written by Administrator
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Monday, 21 May 2007 |
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From an early age South Australians learn that we live in the driest State in the driest inhabited continent on the planet. So we all know the importance of looking after our precious water resources whether the water comes from the River Murray, local reservoirs or from underground. The community clearly values water and householders have shown they are ready, willing and able to support ongoing permanent water conservation measures or even water restrictions in time of drought.
The South Australian Government and SA Water are working on a number of strategies to ensure the sustainability of our water resources for the future. We All Have a Role. All South Australians can play a role in making the State more water efficient by looking after their own patch. In your homes and gardens, in your community, your schools and your work practicing water efficiency can help save the environment and money. As you will see in this brochure, it doesn’t take much to save a lot of water and your licensed plumber can help!
What is Eco-Smart plumbing?
The Plumbing Industry Association of SA Inc. (PIA) with the support of SA Water has established the Eco Smart Plumber training initiative to support the Government’s strategies and develop ‘green’ credentials within our industry. Plumbers have a great role to play in helping householders improve their water efficiency and reduce their water bills.
Eco Smart trained plumbers can:
* Conduct hot and cold water audits of your home
* Undertake environmentally sustainable plumbing work
* Advise you on all of the different options to reduce your water consumption
* Design and install plumbing solutions
* Advise of any government rebates and arrange your claim
* Plumb rainwater tanks into your home
Provide advice on other water efficiency measures.
ENHANCED LEVEL 3 WATER RESTRICTIONS FROM JANUARY 1, 2007
NEW GARDEN WATERING TIMES AS DAYLIGHT SAVING ENDS
Domestic Gardens and Lawns
Hand-held hoses fitted with a trigger nozzle or drip-watering systems can be used between 6am and 9am and from 5pm to midnight on any day. Watering cans and buckets may be used at any time.
Sprinkler systems can be used on one day a week for three hours in the morning or for three hours in the evening in accordance with the following:
* Even numbered houses can use sprinklers from 6am to 9am and 5pm to 8pm on Saturdays
* Odd numbered houses can use sprinklers from 6am to 9am and from 5pm to 8pm on Sundays
Sprinklers cannot be used to water verges.
Sports Grounds and Recreation Facilities
Hand-held hoses fitted with a trigger nozzle may be used on any day but only before 8am or after 8pm.
Watering cans and buckets may be used at any time.
Sprinkler systems may be used once a week between the hours of 8pm and 8am. The day of the week and time of operation for each of the sprinkler stations is to be determined in conjunction with SA Water and subject to a permit. Testing of sprinklers will not be permitted without prior approval of SA Water.
Hard Surfaces
Water must not be used to wash paved or concreted areas, decking, walls or roofs of a building at any time unless it is necessary to do so to protect public health, ensure safety of people using the area, ensure the health and welfare of animals using the area or in case of accident, fire or other emergency.
Windows may be cleaned from a bucket filled directly from a tap.
Fountains, Ponds and Water Feature
A fountain, pond or water feature that does not recycle water must not be operated and must not be topped up unless it supports fish. The level of water in a fountain, pond or water feature that recycles water may be topped up only with water from a hand held hose or bucket. Fountains, ponds and water features must not be refilled after emptying.
Swimming Pools and Spas
Existing pools and spas must not be refilled from empty.
The level of water in a swimming pool or spa that has been previously filled with water may be topped up or maintained only with water from a hand held hose or bucket.
New pools or spas may be filled only under the authority of a permit from SA Water. A permit will not be granted unless there is proof a cover has been purchased to prevent water loss through evaporation.
Children’s wading pools must not be filled with more than 250 litres of water. |
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Washing Cars and Boats
Water must not be used to wash a vehicle except by means of a commercial car wash or a bucket filled directly from a tap.
Hoses are not to be used.
Boat owners are permitted to flush out motors and rinse off metal parts to prevent corrosion.
Farms or Rural Properties Using SA Water Supplies
A farm dam or tank must not be filled with water unless it is being used for domestic or stock consumption or fire fighting. A permit is required to fill a dam or tank for any other reason.
If a rainwater tank has been plumbed directly into a house by a licensed plumbing contractor it is acceptable to have a quantity of mains water in the tank.
Building/Construction Activities
Water must not be used for dust suppression and compaction unless it is applied from a hand held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle or directly from a motor vehicle designed and approved to carry/deposit water.
An exciting and innovative range of water saving, water collection and water reuse products are becoming available.
Find your nearest Eco Smart plumber by calling * 1300 723 216 * for more information.
Be Water Smart and Save By being water efficient around your home and garden you can help save the environment and money.
In South Australian homes, most of the water is used for garden and outdoor activities. Other
areas which use a lot of water are the bathroom, laundry, toilet and kitchen
Did you know:
* Inefficient shower roses can use up to 20 litres of water a minute.
* Water efficient models can use as little as 6 litres a minute.
* A water efficient shower rose, could save 3000 litres of water a year by reducing water use each time someone showers.
* Water efficient shower heads also save energy so you save money on both your water and power bills!
* Running taps can waste up to 17 litres of water a minute.
* Aerators or flow restrictors on taps use half the water as standard taps.
* Water efficient toilets can use as little as three litres of water on a half flush a quarter of the amount used by standard single flush toilets.
* Leaking toilet cisterns can lose you thousands of litres of water a year.
Water Use in the Home
* Toilet 12%
* Kitchen 12%
* Laundry 16% Bathroom 20%
* Garden and Outdoor Activities 40%
Commercial Nurseries and Garden Centres
Hand held hoses fitted with a trigger nozzle, watering cans, buckets and drip-watering systems may be used at any time to water plants in commercial nurseries and garden centres.
Sprinkler systems may be used between the hours of 8pm and 8am.
On days when the maximum temperature is forecast to exceed 30 degrees sprinkler systems may also be used between the hours of 1pm and 2pm.
Caravan and Camping Sites
Permits are required to water outside the garden and lawn guidelines.
Permits allow watering under the following conditions:
October – March
Grassed sites that have been damaged by cars, caravans and/or tents may be watered with a sprinkler for not more than 30 minutes on the day the area is vacated. If grassed areas are not being used then they may be watered with a sprinkler no more than once per week, for no more than 30 minutes at any time.
April – September
Grassed sites that have been damaged by cars, caravans and tents with a sprinkler no more than once per week at any time for no more than 30 minutes at any time.
For further information go to
Water Restriction Permit Request |
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 08 June 2010 )
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