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Sydney Level 2 Water Restriction Exemption

lawn watering restriction exemption

Watering your new lawn in the establishment period is very important to ensure the roots grow strong and keep your lawn healthy.

Level 2 water restrictions will apply from 10 December 2019. However, new lawn owners are still allowed to water new turf for up to 28 days. Please ensure you read the following information carefully and adhere to them.

You can water new turf using:

  • a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle for up to four weeks from the delivery date, following the watering plan below. This applies to areas of any size.
  • sprinklers and watering systems for up to four weeks from the delivery date, following the watering plan below. This only applies if you have a continuous area of new turf larger than 30 m 2.

Please keep the delivery docket showing the delivery date in case one of our Community Water Officers asks for 'proof of purchase'.

Watering plan for new turf

  • Week 1: Water up to three times a day, for a maximum of 30 minutes each session, at any time of day.
  • Week 2 & 3: Water up to two times a day, for a maximum of 15 minutes each session. You can only water before 10 am and after 4 pm.
  • Week 4: Water before 10 am and after 4 pm, for a maximum of 30 minutes, on no more than three days during that week.

After week 4, you can only water your turf following the water restrictions. This means you can water before 10 am and after 4 pm with a bucket or watering can, or with a smart irrigation or drip irrigation system for a maximum of 15 minutes.

What can you do if your turf isn't established after four weeks?
If you can still pull the turf layer away from the ground after four weeks, the roots aren't established yet and you may need to apply for an exemption to continue watering outside the restrictions.

You can't:

  • use a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, sprinkler or soaker hose after the four-week watering plan, unless you have an exemption permit
  • leave hoses and taps running unattended
  • water the area around new turf or allow water to run off onto hard surfaces.

The above information applies during level 2 water restrictions. For current restrictions and further details, please visit: www.sydneywater.com.au