Level 1 Water Restrictions Lifted for Northern Beaches Households and Businesses

From December 1, Level 1 water restrictions for Northern Beaches’ households will be lifted and replaced with Water Wise Guidelines.

Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey said Greater Sydney has done a great job saving water during one of the worst droughts on record.

“People across the Northern Beaches have done an outstanding job during water restrictions, helping collectively save with Greater Sydney 77 gigalitres of water – the equivalent of 31,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Since March 2020, water use is down 7.5%,” Mrs Pavey said.

“The new Water Wise Guidelines follow common-sense behaviours we have seen over the past 12 months. While we want everyone to enjoy water, we need to remember to use it wisely as the recent drought reminded us how quickly dam levels can change.”

Mrs Pavey said water restrictions have helped curtail demand by around 65 megalites per day, taking pressure off the filtration plant to provide clean water from Sydney’s dams which have been impacted by bushfires and heavy rainfall.

“We’ve been through drought, bushfires and floods and we know things can change dramatically very quickly,” Mrs Pavey said.

“While water restrictions will be lifted, we are encouraging people to continue to practice their good water behaviour habits along the guidelines of the Level 1 water restrictions.

Member for Manly, James Griffin said, “We welcome the NSW Government’s decision to move to Water Wise Guidelines ahead of summer.”

"Under Water Wise Guidelines introduced from 2 December, drinking water can be used to water lawns and gardens, before 10 am and after 4 pm, using a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, sprinklers or standard watering systems.”

“Sydney Water has tools to help households plan and reduce their water use, including the Water Wise Coach and the WaterFix program.”

Exemption permits for households and businesses will no longer be required under Water Wise Guidelines, unless for medical reasons. For more information visit https://www.sydneywater.com.au/guidelines