Living at 3a

Remember that every house, apartment and business in Melbourne is living at 3a water restrictions until 30 November 2008. Make sure you know the rules and are aware of the ways you can save water at home and in the garden.

Remember under stage 3a water restrictions:

• Lawns may not be watered at any time
• Even and no-numbered properties can water plants between 6 am - 8 am on Saturday and Tuesday
• Odd-numbered properties can water plants between 6 am - 8 am on Sunday and Wednesday
• Rainwater and greywater can be used at any time
• Cars can only be washed at commercial car washes
• No watering is permitted on Monday, Thursday and Friday

More detailed information about restrictions

 About restrictions
     Understanding Stage 3a

 Gardening rules
     More detail about Stage 3a and gardens

 Pools and spas
     Rules for pools, spas and topping up

 Exempt playing surfaces and tennis clubs
     What sportsgrounds and tennis clubs are doing to save water

 Vehicle washing
     Rules about vehicle washing

 Industry
     Businesses are saving water too

 Penalties and enforcement
     Stage 3a water restrictions must be followed and water patrols are out in force

 Exemptions
     Available exemptions and who can apply

 Solutions
     What you can do

 Report a breach
     Who to contact to report a breach

Drought Response Plan

All of Melbourne's retailers have prepared Drought Response Plans which incorporate the four stages of water restrictions and specify the things which must not be done while each stage of restrictions persists. A full page public notice in Melbourne's The Age on July 5, 2008 also listed all of the prohibitions relating to the current level of restrictions, which is known as Stage 3a.


 Download Yarra Valley Water's Drought Response Plan (PDF 966KB)

 Download the public notice (PDF 181KB)


Permanent Water Saving Plan

When restrictions are not in place, Yarra Valley Water operates in accordance with a Permanent Water Saving Plan which sets out guidelines on the use of water in the area of Yarra Valley Water's licence. To view the current version of this plan click here (PDF 125KB).