The Queensland Water Commission has eased water restrictions from High Level restrictions (Target 170) to Medium Level restrictions (200 litres per day) across Brisbane and South East Queensland now that combined dam levels are at 50%. Residents can now use hoses, wash cars and even trun on a sprinkler, provided it is done within the regulations of the restrictions.
Under Medium Level restrictions residents can wash vehicles, clean external surfaces of houses, and water gardens and plants using a hand held hose with a trigger or twist nozzle for 60 minutes a week as follows:
| Property number | Times | Days | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M | T | W | T | F | Sat | Sun | ||
| Odd or un-numbered | 4pm to 4.30pm |  |
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| Even numbered | |
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Buckets
Gardens can be watered with a bucket on any day between 4pm and 8am, and buckets can be used for cleaning at any time.
Sprinklers & irrigation systems
For the first time since late 2004, sprinklers and efficient irrigation systems are allowed under medium level restrictions. But they cannot be used on existing lawns, must be on a timer and can not use more than 9 litres per minute. You must also use a soil moisture sensor or rain guage to ensure the sprinkler is not used if it has rained. Sound complicated? Read the sprinkler guidelines (PDF file) by the Queensland Water Commission for all the facts.
Driveways
You cannot use a hose on paving, pathways or driveways.
Pools and spas
Under medium level water restrictions, you can fill your new pool or spa from town water. However, there are still limits to how and when you can top up a pool, including using rain water first and having three water efficient devices before topping up from mains water.
Read more in the Queensland Water Commission fact sheet about pools and spas (PDF file).
Rainwater tanks and saving water
Installing and using rainwater tanks on residential properties is becoming more popular and encouraged or mandated by some councils. A rainwater tank is recommended as a water source for keeping your garden green, topping up the pool and other outside uses.
Provided your tank water has been collected from rainfall on your roof, you can use it for washing your car or hard surfaces at any time. Do not use mains water to fill your tank.
Your rainwater tank can be connected to internal plumbing for use in your toilet and washing machine but must be installed by a licensed plumber. Visit the Brisbane City Council website for full details about rainwater tanks.
See our directory for suppliers of tanks and tank equipment. Major hardware stores also sell them.
Saving water
Read tips on saving water inside and outside your home, including use of a pool blanket.
In the garden
Native plants suitable for subtropical living are a good water-wise choice. Plus there are many exotic species that do well with only a little water, such as succulents. Read how you can keep your garden looking good even with current water restrictions.
Find out more about plants suited to Brisbane's climate and soils and don't forget that the better your soil quality, the less water you'll need to use to keep your garden green.
