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Voluntary Permanent Water Saving Measures

Rous Water and the local Councils of Ballina, Byron, Lismore and Richmond Valley have introduced voluntary Permanent Water Saving Measures for all town water users.  All residents are encouraged to comply with these measures to ensure sustainable water use throughout the region.

The Permanent Water Saving Measures are voluntary and are in place on an ongoing basis, irrespective of dam levels.  They are separate from the mandatory water restrictions that are implemented during drought periods when dam levels are low. 

The measures that have been introduced are listed below.  For further information you may call Rous Water's hotline number 1800 450 203.

You may download a copy of the list of measures here (2.83MB .pdf).  You may also refer to a list of frequently asked questions.

OUTDOOR WATERING
Applies to all homes, private and public gardens and sports grounds. Does not apply to commercial market gardens and nurseries.	WATERING TIMES AND DAYS
	This applies to the use of all types of sprinklers, watering systems, hand-held hoses, watering cans and buckets, topping up swimming pools and outdoor spas. Outdoor watering and water use is permitted between 6am and 10am and between 3pm and 10pm.
	NEW TURF WATERING
	Watering of new turf or the beginning of a new lawn is permitted every day for the first fourteen (14) days during the watering times above.
	HAND-HELD HOSES
	All hand-held hoses should be fitted with an on/off nozzle.  Trigger nozzles are preferred.
	USE LESS WATER
	When watering lawns or gardens, use the least amount of water necessary. Evidence of puddling or runoff is an indication that too much water has been used. All outdoor watering should be carried out in such a way that no hard surfaces are included in the watered area.
CLEANING VEHICLES & BOATS
Applies to all private and commercial use.	Vehicles and boats may be washed at any time on any day. Where possible, vehicles and boats should be washed on the lawn or where the water will run off onto the lawn or garden. Hoses should be fitted with an on/off nozzle.  Trigger nozzles are preferred.
DRIVEWAYS, PATHS & PAVED AREAS
Applies to all private and commercial premises. Applies to all impervious surfaces such as driveways, paths and paved areas.	Water should not be used to clean driveways, paths, paved areas and other impervious surfaces unless it is necessary as a result of an accident, fire, hazard to health or the environment, or other emergency. High pressure water cleaners may be used.  10L/min or less is recommended for domestic use.
CONSTRUCTION & GENERAL CLEANING
Applies to all private and commercial building, renovation and construction activities, including roof and house cleaning. Applies to all private and commercial cleaning activities.	Cleaning may be carried out at any time on any day. Hoses should be fitted with an on/off nozzle.  Trigger nozzles are preferred. High pressure water cleaners may be used.  10L/min or less is recommended for domestic use.
	USE LESS WATER
	When using high pressure water cleaners, use the least amount of water necessary to do the job. Avoid puddling or runoff to hard surfaces such as driveways, paved areas and the street.

1. 

   Community Survey

   A community survey conducted on behalf of Rous Water has found that the majority of water customers in the Rous region support the idea of permanent and mandatory water conservation measures.

   Link

2. 

   A Change to our Water Treatment

   Rous Water has announced that the treatment process is switching from chloramination (involving the addition of chlorine and ammonia) to chlorination (chlorine only).

   Link

3. 

   Voluntary Permanent Water Saving Measures

   Rous Water and local Councils in the Rous region have introduced Voluntary Permanent Water Saving Measures

   Link

4. 

   New Web Site

   The newly redesigned Web site of Rous Water went live on the World Wide Web.

   Link

5. 

   Rous Water Plans for the Future

   Rous Water has embarked on a major new project to develop its Future Water Strategy.

   Link

6. 

   Inquiry into Secure and Sustainable Urban Water Supply and Sewerage Services

   In September 2007, the then Minister for Water Utilities, the Hon. Nathan Rees, MP, commissioned an Inquiry into current and future arrangements for the control and management of water supply and sewerage services in regional and rural areas throughout the State.

   Link

7. Big Scrub Rainforest Day 2009

   Big Scrub Rainforest Day will be held on Sunday 20 September 2009 at the Bangalow Showground.

   Link

8. 

   Expressions of Interest

   Environmental Flows - Aquatic Ecology Impact Assessment

   Link

9. Frequently Asked Questions - Voluntary Permanent Water Saving Measures

   answers to frequently asked questions relating to the voluntary permanent water saving measures introduced on 5 Oct 2009

   Link

10. 

    Future Water Strategy PRG

    Nominations are now open to join the Future Water Strategy Project Reference Group.

    Link

11. National Water Week 18-24 October

    Let’s make every week Water Week in our region! Find, use and enjoy games, songs, factsheets and more.

    Link

12. Reconnecting to Country - Detailed Design process

    Between April and June 2009, the four Reconnecting to Country local working groups hosted a series of community workshops

    Link