Vehicle washing
Under Stage 3a water restrictions, can I wash my car?
Cars my not be washed at home with drinking water.
Under Stage 3a water restrictions, you may only wash your car by using a water efficient commercial or mobile car wash. Only commercial or mobile car washes which meet water efficient requirements can operation in metropolitan Melbourne.
You may use a bucket, filled directly from a tap to clean car windows, mirrors and lights; and to spot-remove corrosive substances.
Or you may wash your car at home if you are using an alternative source of water such as rainwater.
Hand-held hoses and high-pressure water cleaners cannot be used any time for vehicle washing.
Are mobile carwashes allowed to operate under Stage 3a water restrictions?
Yes. The water businesses (Yarra Valley Water, City West Water, South East Water and Western Water) have worked together on a process to review and approve the operation of mobile carwashes if they meet the water use requirements that all water efficient carwashes must operate within. Any carwash that has been approved by a local water business will have documentation to confirm this and should be able to produce upon request.
If a mobile carwash meets these requirements, then they may operate in any of the water business' service areas at suitable sites including car dealerships, businesses and residences.
On cold mornings or evenings, am I allowed to use water from a hose to clear ice or condensation from my car windows and mirrors?
No. Under Stage 3a water restrictions you can only use a bucket filled directly from a tap (and not by means of a hose) to clean windows.
To remove condensation, frost or ice, a scraper, squeegee or rubber-edged scraper can be used to clear windows and mirrors.
Another option is to turn on your defroster, if your car has one, or if you have air-conditioning, first turn your heater on and then press the air-conditioning button. This will keep the inside of the windows from fogging up.
Commercial vehicle wash - water conservation plan report (PDF 86KB)
Commercial vehicle wash - fact sheet (PDF 86KB)