The Victorian Government has announced Melbourne will return to Stage 1 restrictions for the first time since 2006.

 

"We have considered a wide range of factors including dam levels, forecast demand and the weather outlook and we believe it is prudent to ease water restrictions slowly," State Water Minister Peter Walsh said.

 

"Melburnians have shown themselves to be waterwise, and with residential water use at a record low, consumption averaged just 146 litres per person per day over 2010-11.

 

"But with the Thomson just over half full and the seasonal outlook predicting warmer temperatures and only a 35 per cent to 45 per cent chance of exceeding median rainfall over summer, we have decided to remain on alert.”

 

Under Stage 1 water restrictions, lawns can be watered during set days and times and Melbourne's fountains and water features can flow again. Car washing at home using a hand held hose with a trigger nozzle is also permitted.

 

Under Stage 1 water restrictions, Victorians may:

  • water residential or commercial gardens or lawns using a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle at any time, on any day;
  • water residential and commercial gardens and lawns with a watering system (manual, automatic, spray or dripper) only on alternate days between 6 am and 10 am and 6 pm and 10 pm;
  • operate fountains and water features that recirculate water;
  • wash a vehicle at home using a high pressure cleaning unit or a hand held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle at any time, any day of the week;
  • top up new pools or spas of up to 2000 litres using a hand held hose or automatic water top up device; and
  • fill new pools or spas of up to 2000 litres using a hand held hose or automatic water top up device. New or existing pools greater than 2000 litres can only be filled in accordance with a water use plan.