Water Restrictions Sydney, the Blue
Mountains and the Illawarra

Water restrictions apply to all houses and businesses in Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Illawarra.

Level 1 Water Restrictions

Greywater & Recycled Water
- There are NO RESTRICTIONS on using GREYWATER, recycled water or rainwater

Gardens & Lawns

Watering cans & buckets
- Gardens can be watered before 10am or after 4pm

Drip Irrigation Systems & Smart Drip Irrigation Systems
- Can be used

NOT PERMITTED AT ANY TIME

Sprinklers
- Sprinklers and standard watering systems are not permitted at any time
- Sprinklers are not permitted for children to play under at any time

Hoses & Taps
- Leaving hoses & taps unattended is not permitted unless it is an emergency

Hard Surfaces
- Water is not permitted to run off onto surfaces such at paths or roadways
- You CANNOT clean hard surfaces such as paths, driveways or paved areas with a hose or high pressure
cleaner as a part of general cleaning

Washing your car & other vehicles

- Cars, trucks, vans, motorbikes, trailers and caravans can be washed with a bucket and sponge, hand
held hose with a FITTED TRIGGER NOZZLE or at a commercial car wash
- Boats that have been in seawater can be washed with a hose fitted with a TRIGGER NOZZLE for a maximum
of 10 minutes

Swimming Pools & Spas

- You can top up an existing pool or spa using a hose fitted with a TRIGGER NOZZLE, watering can or
bucket to replace water
lost through evaporation but NOT to replace water deliberately removed
from a pool or spa or as an alternative to fixing leaks
- You can fill a pool or spa that holds 10,000 litres of water or less
- If the pool contains more than 10,000 litres of water you need a permit and an approved pool cover or
lockable spa cover
- You CANNOT allow spas or pools to overflow when filling them up or topping them up

Pets, Animals, Birds

- You CAN provide drinking water, if you use a hose it must be fitted with a trigger nozzle
- You CAN clean or cool animals using a bucket and sponge, a hose with a trigger nozzle or a
professional animal wash service
- You CAN clean pens, yards and cages using a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, a bucket or
high pressure cleaning equipment
- You CAN cool animal enclosures to ensure animal welfare between 6am and 9pm when temperatures inside
enclosures are above 30 °C using dedicated sprinklers
- You CAN use fogging systems, misting systems or cooling pads at any time
- You CANNOT leave hoses running at any time
- You CANNOT leave hoses running unattended

Businesses

- Businesses that use water outdoor need to apply for a permit

Level 2 Water Restrictions

Level 2 Water Restrictions take effect when dam levels are in the region of 45%. This is usually from
around mid December until the end of February but may vary.

Water restrictions apply to all houses and businesses in Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Illawarra.

Greywater & Recycled Water - There are NO RESTRICTIONS on using GREYWATER, recycled water or rainwater

LAWNS & GARDENS

Watering cans & buckets
- Gardens can be watered before 10am or after 4pm

Drip Irrigation Systems & Smart Drip Irrigation Systems
- Can be used for a maximum of 15 minutes before 10am or after 4pm

NOT PERMITTED AT ANY TIME

Sprinklers
- Sprinklers, soaker hoses, weeping hoses and mist sprayers are not permitted at any time
- Sprinklers are not permitted for children to play under at any time
- You cannot use water toys that connect to a hose such as a ‘slip n’ slide’

Hoses & Taps
- You cannot use any kind of hose to water your garden at any time
- Leaving hoses & taps unattended is not permitted unless it is an emergency

Hard Surfaces
- Water is not permitted to run off on surfaces such at paths or roadways
- You CANNOT clean hard surfaces such as paths, driveways or paved areas with a hose or high pressure
cleaner as a part of general cleaning

Washing your car & other vehicles

- Cars, trucks, vans, motorbikes, trailers and caravans can only be washed with a bucket and sponge or
at a commercial car wash
- Boats that have been in seawater can be washed with a hose fitted with a TRIGGER NOZZLE for a maximum
of 10 minutes

Swimming Pools & Spas

- A permit is required to fill a spa or swimming pool that holds more than 500 litres
- You can top up an existing pool or spa for a maximum of 15 minutes a day for water lost through
evaporation using a hose with a fitted trigger nozzle, watering can or bucket
- You can fill a children’s pool that holds less than 500 litres of water

Ponds & water features

- Drinking water CANNOT be used to fill up new or existing ponds, lakes, fountains or other water features
- GREYWATER, recycled water, rainwater & bore water CAN be used to fill up or top up ponds or water features

Pets, Animals, Birds

- You CAN provide drinking water, if you use a hose it must be fitted with a trigger nozzle
- You CAN clean or cool animals using a bucket and sponge, a hose with a trigger nozzle or a
professional animal wash service
- You CAN clean pens, yards and cages using a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, a bucket or
high pressure cleaning equipment
- You CAN cool animal enclosures to ensure animal welfare between 6am and 9pm when temperatures inside
enclosures are above 30°C using dedicated sprinklers
- You CAN use fogging systems, misting systems or cooling pads at any time
- You CANNOT leave hoses running at any time

Businesses

- Businesses that use water outdoors need to apply for a permit

References:

NSW Government 2019, Level 2 water restrictions will start in Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the
Illawarra on 10 December 2019, viewed 10 February 2020
<https://www.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/news/level-2-water-restrictions-to-start-across-sydney/>
Sydney Water 2020, Water restrictions, viewed 10 February 2020
<https://www.sydneywater.com.au/SW/water-the-environment/what-we-re-doing/water-restrictions/index.htm>
Sydney Water 2020, Water restrictions, viewed 4 March 2020
<https://www.sydneywater.com.au/SW/water-the-environment/what-we-re-doing/water-restrictions/index.htm>
Images from the Noun Project: smiley face by Davo Sime, bucket by Eucalyp, sponge by Ladalle
CS, Watering Can by Edwin PM, drip irrigation by Danil Polshin, Sprinkler by Turkkub, Children by
Yeoul Kwon, Hose by Chaowalit Koetchuea, tap by Creative Stall, Curved path by Allie Tate, Car Wash
by Nhor, Boat by Nicolas LEULIET, hot tub by Juan Pablo Bravo, Swimming Pool by ProSymbols, Fountain
by Olena Panasovska, pond by Serhii Smirnov, paws by Caitlin George, Sad by RocketDiction, Garden by
Serhii Smirnov, Swimming Pool by ProSymbols.

Our GreyFlow PS System installed by ZenPlumb is showcased in this enchanted sustainable cottage garden
in the Dandenong Ranges. 

Our greywater system won the 2018 WA Innovating for Sustainable Water and Environmental Outcomes Award.
This greywater system back-flushes with air, similar to how spa and pool filters are cleaned, and sends
any material to the sewer. Sam Milani spoke about the realities of maintaining greywater systems,
whether installed within individual residential lots, mining camps or other facilities.

Chris Ferreira from The Forever Project has our GreyFlow PS - AG (above ground)greywater system
in his garden. Listen to him on the Garden Gurus.

This Tiny House in the Yarra Valley has the GreyFlow Pro installed by ZenPlumb and is feeding a reed bed system.

WHY NOT USE GREYWATER FOR WATERING GARDENS?

In the past two decades, Australia has experienced a net decrease in rainfall and at the same time a net increase in its population. Coupled with climate change, this has resulted in serious water shortages across the nation, and has put pressure on the limited water resources in many of the States. The long-term future of Australia, is highly dependent on how the country will manage its precious water resources.

A “fit for purpose” approach to water management, is the only proper long-term way to tackle the water crisis. The use of expensive and high energy consumption desalinated/chlorinated drinking water, to irrigate gardens and flush toilets, cannot be part of a long-term sustainable water management plan. All technological means (seawater desalination, rainwater capture, wastewater & greywater reuse) must be used if we want to effectively combat climate change.


This greywater garden thrives on 100% greywater. The Greyflow PS Self clean system with 300 watt pump was installed in a new home by Water Capture in Perth & Fremantle.

Droughts a wake-up call for all of us

The “Millennium drought” from 2001 to 2009, and currently, the “Super Drought”, are a wake-up call for Australia. We can no longer ignore the fact that our water resources need to be managed wisely.

In the past decade, the energy sector, has experienced a great upsurge in consciousness, and the use of renewables, is fast becoming common practice across the nation.  It is essential that the same reality check occurs in the water sector.

Don Elder, a renown US scientist, and a hero of the 2002 US National Water Act, when focusing on global warming and energy consumption says:

“The two great global and social issues of our day, are climate change and water availability, and their solution is inseparably integrated. Only the healthiest watershed will be resilient enough to support the full range of life in the face of climate change. Saving energy, by saving water will keep coal and oil in the ground, carbon out of the air, water in our streams, and money in our pockets.”

He goes on to ascertain that, the fastest way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is to reduce water consumption, and that the highest consumers of energy in any state, are the water service providers.  

In Israel, wastewater recycling has been used for many years, and currently more than 80% of the wastewater generated in the county is reused in many applications (domestic, Agricultural, commercial & industrial).


Greywater is suitable for Australian native plants and country gardens. Our greywater system was installed by Water Wally who sells our GreyFlow units Australia wide.

Greywater reuse for gardens

Reusing the water from showers, basins, and laundries, in order to irrigate gardens, was common practice in the “olden days” right across Australia. With the development of the modern cities and the availability of inexpensive fresh water at one’s door step, Australians became complacent, and forgot how precious water is in the driest continent on earth.

It is fair to say that the “Millennium Drought”, ushered the reuse of greywater in Australia, with legislations and codes of practice being released in many of the states and territories.  

As a result, many environmentally friendly soaps and detergents, have emerged on the market. They have allowed for safe and beneficial reuse of greywater in one’s backyard, as well as contributed to the rise in environmental consciousness of people.

In the past few years an Australian Standard (1546.4) for the reuse of greywater, has been developed and released.

Wastewater reuse as a means to combat desertification and grow plants is evident, and greywater reuse is considered to be the low laying fruit of wastewater recycling.

What has been learned about greywater reuse for gardens in the past 15 years

• ·       All domestic Greywater diversion systems should have Watermark certification.
• ·       The installation of a Domestic Greywater diversion should conform to the state or territory code of practice and may or may not require council approval.
• ·       Commercial applications can save a large amount of water, and should conform to AS 1546.4 Australian standards.
• ·       Domestic greywater diversion from showers, laundry & basins to gardens can be implemented in 100% of new built homes if dual plumbing is installed. Homes on stumps are also easy to retrofit, as opposed to homes on slabs which are not “Greywater ready”.
• ·       Greywater from Kitchen, has a high fat content and is generally not considered for reuse in gardens due to the potential negative long-term effect it can have on the soils. The use of grease traps may help to alleviate this situation.
• ·       All greywater diversion systems require an overflow to sewer or septic.
• ·       Untreated greywater becomes septic very fast and should not be stored more than 24 hours. The faster the water is diverted, the less sludge is accumulated, and the cleaner the system remains. Also, the larger the tank, the more sludge is accumulated, and more frequent desludging is required. Diversion system with small buffer tanks are preferable, as the pump out occurs while the soaps and detergents are still active, resulting in a cleaner system. They are also easier to transport, install, and are cheaper to purchase. On the other-hand greywater irrigation with small tanks can be more technically challenging specially in undulating terrain.
• ·       All pipes and dripline should be lilac in colour so as to help identify the reuse application. Alternatively, a purple tape with marking indicating water reuse, should be laid on top of the non-coloured pipe.
• ·       With installations in new homes on slabs, the 2 stage installs are recommended, and will save hundreds of dollars.

Stage 1: Installation of the system’s carcass by the plumber during the plumbing pre-lay work.

Stage 2: Installation of the pump and irrigation system when the house is completed and before the paving is laid.

• ·       With retrofits, Plug & Play complete diversion systems are preferable.
• ·       In order to extend the life of the pump, the Greywater should be filtered before it reaches the pump (pre-filtration). Post filtration, between the pump and the irrigation, can drastically reduce the life of the pump, and leads to a high maintenance system.
• ·       High head, closed impeller pumps are not suited for use with untreated partially filtered greywater, and should be avoided. Low head, vortex pumps can handle much larger particles and will last a lot longer in greywater diversion systems.
• ·       A greywater irrigation system, should be able to operate at low pressures (less than 10 m).
• ·       In most states and territories, only subsurface & sub-mulch drip irrigation is allowed for the dispersal of the greywater.
  
  

Zenplumb installed the GreyFlow PS greywater system for this enchanted garden in the Dandenong ranges. You can see a video of this stunning garden on our VIDEOS PAGE.

The Greyflow systems

Advanced Waste Water Systems Pty Ltd (AWWS) was registered in April 2004, in response to demand for greywater diversion created by the Millennium Drought, and has been manufacturing and selling the G-Flow and Greyflow range of greywater diversion systems.

Although, still relatively small, AWWS, sells throughout Australia and overseas (New Zealand, South Africa, Morocco, Chile, USA), has been very active in Research and Development, holds local and international patents, and has won a couple of national Awards.

The Greyflow systems have also evolved within the past 15 years and have seen the development of many models such as:

1.     The Gravity G-flow above ground Greywater diversion system

2.     The award winning tankless Greyflow 00 & 001 model

3.     The pumped G-Flow system

4.     The compact Greyflow PS model

5.     The award-winning Auto-backflush filter mechanism

6.     The Greyflow PRO domestic & commercial diversion systems

7.     And more recently the Greyflow Clear Greywater treatment to meet AS 1546.4 level 3 & level 2.

The aim was to provide customers with systems that would:

1.     Meet the Watermark Australian Standards

2.     Cater for a wide range of plumbing pipe sizes, layouts & depths.

3.     Be easier, safer, trouble free & cleaner to operate

4.     Provide for reduced and ease of maintenance

5.     Be robust and long-lasting

6.     Provide for increased water recovery

7.     Provide for improved water distribution efficiency

8.     Consume less power

Greywater can be installed in small gardens such as this one installed by WaterCraft WA in Perth Australia.

Key product development

The traditional approach to greywater filtration has been to provide a coarse filter before the pump (pre-Filter) in order to remove the larger particles such as hair and lint, and to provide a much finer filter after the pump (post-filter) in order to remove the small particles, before the water is discharged through the sub-surface drip irrigation. This approach was adopted by most greywater manufacturers, and overtime proven to lead to early pump failure, mainly due to the lack of regular post-filtration maintenance.

AWWS and other manufacturers adopted the single fine Pre-Filtration option (no post-filtration), which has proven to be more effective in preserving the longevity of the pumps and systems. However, manual fine Pre-filtration, requires regular cleaning of the filters in order to avoid water loss to sewer. Moreover, manual cleaning of greywater system filters can be dirty, time consuming, and a burdensome task.

The key was to develop a fine pre-filter that would require very little maintenance.

Extensive research was done to find an existing automated backflush mechanism that would apply to gravity flow. Traditionally automatic backflush filters are used in pressurised applications (Post-Filtration), while gravity flow automatic filtration systems are limited to expensive mechanical devices.

So AWWS, proceeded to develop an economical, air activated (to minimise water loss), auto-backflush, gravity pre-filter. The new invention took 4 years to develop and an Australian and International patent was registered.

This auto-backflush filter mechanism could be retrofitted on older manual systems, thus allowing AWWS to offer its existing customers to convert their systems into very low maintenance diversion devices. This new development was also the key to entering the commercial market, where larger amount of water could be recycled, as well as capturing part of the growing overseas market.


Chris Ferreira at The Forever Project uses our GreyFlow PS - AG (above ground) greywater system
in his garden and sustainable home in Hamilton Hill, Fremantle. 

In 2018, AWWS was presented with the 2018 Innovation for sustainable Water & Environment Outcomes Award by the WA Australian Water Association.

Greywater from shower, basins and laundry can be reused a second time to water gardens and/or flush toilets. Greywater reuse for gardens:

• ·       Is the first step to water recycling,
• ·       Helps reduce large amount of water in domestic and commercial applications,
• ·       Contributes to the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions,
• ·       Is an effective means to keep plants and trees alive during water restrictions,
• ·       Helps stop the advance of desertification in some regions of the world, by providing desperately needed water for tree planting,
• ·       Is an effective additional tool to be used for a long-term “fit for purpose” water management strategy

“Where there is a will there is a way”. Since 2004, AWWS has developed state of the art greywater diversion systems in order to enable the reuse of greywater. The first 9 years were limited to domestic applications but in the last 6 years with the development of the automated Pre-filtration, the system has proven to be very effective in commercial applications such as Caravan parks, resorts, surf-life saving clubs, retirement complex and buildings.