Current water restrictions

Water restrictions are in place for all areas in the Toowoomba Region, ranging from low, medium to high. These water restrictions encourage all residents to continue water saving efforts and responsible daily water use.

Low level

200 litres/person/day

  • Brookstead
  • Cabarlah
  • Cecil Plains
  • Clifton
  • Crows Nest
  • Goombungee
  • Gowrie Junction
  • Hampton
  • Highfields
  • Hodgson Vale (includes Top Camp)
  • Jondaryan 
  • Kingsthorpe
  • Kulpi
  • Meringandan 
  • Millmerran 
  • Nobby
  • Oakey
  • Pittsworth
  • Southbrook
  • Toowoomba City 
  • Vale View
  • Westbrook
  • Wyreema
  • Yarraman

 

 

Medium level

175 litres/person/day

  • Greenmount 
  • Haden

High level

150 litres/person/day

  • Cambooya

Allowed water activities and use times

Each water restriction level has different allowed water activities, as well as usage times.

Low level water restrictions - target = 200 litres/person/day

Gardens and lawns

  • Established gardens and lawns, using a watering can, bucket, hand-held hose with trigger or twist nozzle, efficient irrigation system or efficient sprinkler.

ALL properties - before 10am and after 4pm on any day except Monday.

  • Newly established gardens and lawns, using a watering can, bucket, hand-held hose with trigger or twist nozzle, efficient irrigation system or efficient sprinkler.

ALL properties - at any time on the day of establishment and thereafter before 10am and after 4pm on any day except Monday.

Pools and water play

  • New and renovated swimming pools and spas (pool covers must be used to comply with this policy).

ALL properties - filling permitted. Once a new swimming pool or spa is filled, it becomes an ‘existing swimming pool or spa’.

  • Existing swimming pools and spas (pool covers must be used to comply with this policy).

ALL properties - topping up permitted.

Vehicle washing

  • Vehicle washing by a person other than a mobile commercial operator, from a bucket, hand-held hose with trigger or twist nozzle or a high pressure water cleaning unit.

ALL properties - before 10am and after 4pm on any day except Monday.

General cleaning

  • General cleaning of materials and equipment, from a bucket, hand-held hose with trigger or twist nozzle or a high pressure water cleaning unit.

ALL properties - before 10am and after 4pm on any day except Monday.

Animal husbandry and pet care

  • Care of pets and animals, including: the provision of drinking water, washing of animals using a hand-held hose, cleaning of animal pens and enclosures and removal of animal waste from hard surfaces, any other purpose approved by a registered veterinarian as part of an animal’s recovery or care. 

ALL properties - allowed on all days at any time.

Building, construction and development

  • Building construction

ALL properties - on all days and at any time provided the construction site is attended when water is being used.

Water features and water storage

  • Fountains, ponds and outdoor aquariums, for the filling or the topping up of fountains, ponds, or outdoor aquariums provided it:**recirculates the water or uses a maximum of 200 litres of water per week*.

ALL properties - before 10am and after 4pm on any day except Monday. 

* We may perform water testing to determine the presence of water from a town supply system.
** If an alternative source of water is used this could create public health issues due to aerosol spray.

Lakes, dams and other water storage facilities

ALL properties - not permitted.

Rainwater tanks

  • If water from the reticulated supply is used to refill tanks then the restrictions above for the relevant type of water use must be adhered to.*

* We may perform water testing to determine the presence of water from a town supply system.

Medium level water restrictions - target = 175 litres/person/day

Gardens and lawns

  • Established gardens and lawns, using a hand-held hose with trigger or twist nozzle, efficient irrigation system or efficient sprinkler.

ODD numbered premises – Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
EVEN or unnumbered premises – Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

Summer (1 October – 31 March) 5.30pm – 6.30pm.
Winter (1 April – 30 September) 4.30pm – 5.30pm.

  • Established gardens and lawns, using a watering can or bucket.

ALL properties - before 8am and after 4pm on any day except Monday.

  • Newly established gardens and lawns, using a hand-held hose with trigger or twist nozzle, efficient irrigation system or efficient sprinkler.

For one hour anytime on the day of establishment and one hour daily for the next 14 days and thereafter follow:

ODD numbered premises – Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
EVEN or unnumbered premises – Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

Summer (1 October – 31 March) 5.30pm – 6.30pm.
Winter (1 April – 30 September) 4.30pm – 5.30pm.

Pools and water play

  • New and renovated swimming pools and spas (pool covers must be used to comply with this policy)Once a new swimming pool or spa is filled, it becomes an ‘existing swimming pool or spa’.

Filling permitted.

  • Existing swimming pools and spas (pool covers must be used to comply with this policy).

Topping up on the following days:

ODD numbered premises – Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
EVEN or unnumbered premises – Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

Summer (1 October – 31 March) 5.30pm – 6.30pm.
Winter (1 April – 30 September) 4.30pm – 5.30pm.

Water play and pool toys

  • Water play pools and water toys, using a hand-held hose with trigger or twist nozzle or bucket.

ODD numbered premises – Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
EVEN or unnumbered premises – Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

Summer (1 October – 31 March) 5.30pm – 6.30pm.
Winter (1 April – 30 September) 4.30pm – 5.30pm.

Vehicle washing

  • Vehicle washing by a person other than a mobile commercial operator, from a bucket, hand-held hose with trigger or twist nozzle or a high pressure water cleaning unit.

ODD numbered premises – Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
EVEN or unnumbered premises – Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

Summer (1 October – 31 March) 5.30pm – 6.30pm.
Winter (1 April – 30 September) 4.30pm – 5.30pm.

General cleaning

  • General cleaning of materials and equipment, from a bucket, hand-held hose with trigger or twist nozzle or a high pressure water cleaning unit.

ODD numbered premises – Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
EVEN or unnumbered premises – Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

Summer (1 October – 31 March) 5.30pm – 6.30pm.
Winter (1 April – 30 September) 4.30pm – 5.30pm.

Animal husbandry and pet care

  • Care of pets and animals, including: the provision of drinking water, washing of animals using a hand-held hose, cleaning of animal pens and enclosures and removal of animal waste from hard surfaces and any other purpose approved by a registered veterinarian as part of an animal’s recovery or care. 

Allowed on all days at any time.

Building, construction and development

  • Building construction

On all days and at any time provided the construction site is attended when water is being used.

Water features and water storage

  • Fountains, ponds and outdoor aquariums

Water from the reticulated supply is not to be used for this purpose.*

* We may perform water testing to determine the presence of water from a town supply system.

Lakes, dams and other water storage facilities

Not permitted.

* We may perform water testing to determine the presence of water from a town supply system.

Rainwater tanks

  • If water from the reticulated supply is used to refill tanks then the restrictions above, related to the type of water use, must be adhered to.*

* We may perform water testing to determine the presence of water from a town supply system.

High level water restrictions - target = 150 litres/person/day

Gardens and Lawns

  • Established gardens, using a hand-held hose with trigger or twist nozzle.

ODD numbered premises – Tuesday and Saturday.
EVEN or unnumbered premises – Wednesday and Sunday.

Summer (1 October – 31 March) 5.30pm – 6.30pm.
Winter (1 April – 30 September) 4.30pm – 5.30pm.

  • Established gardens, using a watering can or bucket.

ALL properties - before 8am and after 4pm on any day except Monday.

Established lawns

  • Watering established lawns from the town supply is not permitted under this restriction level.
  • Newly established gardens and lawns, using a hand-held hose with trigger or twist nozzle, efficient sprinkler or efficient irrigation system.

For one hour on the day of establishment and one hour daily for the next 14 days and thereafter follow:

ODD numbered premises – Tuesday and Saturday.
EVEN or unnumbered premises – Wednesday and Sunday.

Summer (1 October – 31 March) 5.30pm – 6.30pm.
Winter (1 April – 30 September) 4.30pm – 5.30pm.

Water users must retain receipts and other documentation as proof of a new garden or lawn for presentation upon possible request by our staff.

Pools and water play

  • New and renovated swimming pools and spas.

Not permitted under these restriction levels. 

When using alternative water sources, receipts and other documentation must be retained for presentation upon possible request by our staff.

  • Existing swimming pools and spas, topping up (pool covers must be used to comply with this policy).

ODD numbered premises – Tuesday and Saturday.
EVEN or unnumbered premises – Wednesday and Sunday.

Summer (1 October – 31 March) 5.30pm – 6.30pm.
Winter (1 April – 30 September) 4.30pm – 5.30pm.

  • Water play pools and water toys, with a hand-held hose with trigger or twist nozzle or bucket.

ODD numbered premises – Tuesday and Saturday.
EVEN or unnumbered premises – Wednesday and Sunday.

Summer (1 October – 31 March) 5.30pm – 6.30pm
Winter (1 April – 30 September) 4.30pm – 5.30pm.

Vehicle washing

Washing of vehicles by a person other than a mobile commercial operator, From a bucket, hand-held hose with trigger or twist nozzle or a high pressure water cleaning unit.

ODD numbered premises – Tuesday and Saturday.
EVEN or unnumbered premises – Wednesday and Sunday.

Summer (1 October – 31 March) 5.30pm – 6.30pm.
Winter (1 April – 30 September) 4.30pm – 5.30pm.

General cleaning

  • General outdoor cleaning of materials and equipment, from a bucket, hand-held hose with trigger or twist nozzle or a high pressure water cleaning unit.

ODD numbered premises – Tuesday and Sat.
EVEN or unnumbered premises – Wednesday and Sunday.

Summer (1 October – 31 March) 5.30pm – 6.30pm.
Winter (1 April – 30 September) 4.30pm – 5.30pm.

Animal husbandry and pet care

  • Care of pets and animals, for animal welfare and survival purposes including, the provision of drinking water, washing of animals using a hand-held hose, cleaning of animal pens and enclosures and removal of animal waste from hard surfaces and any other purpose approved by a registered veterinarian as part of an animal’s recovery or care.

On all days and at any time

Building, construction and development

  • Building construction

On all days and at any time provided the construction site is attended when water is being used.

Water features and water storage

  • Fountains, ponds and outdoor aquarium.

Water from the reticulated supply is not to be used for this purpose.* **

* We may perform water testing to determine the presence of water from a town supply system.

** If an alternative source of water is used this could create public health issues due to aerosol spray.

Lakes, dams and other water storage facilities

  • Not permitted.*

* We may perform water testing to determine the presence of water from a town supply system.

Rainwater tanks

If water from the reticulated supply is used to refill tanks then watering restrictions above, for the related type of water use, must be adhered to.*

* We may perform water testing to determine the presence of water from a town supply system.

Extreme level water restrictions - target = 125 litres/person/day

Gardens and lawns

  • Established gardens, using a watering can or bucket.

ODD numbered premises – Saturday.
EVEN or unnumbered premises – Sunday.

Summer (1 October – 31 March) 5.30pm – 6.30pm.
Winter (1 April – 30 September) 4.30pm – 5.30pm.

Established lawns

Not permitted under these restriction levels. 

When using alternative water sources, receipts and other documentation must be retained for presentation upon possible request by Council.

Newly established gardens and lawns

Not permitted under these restriction levels. 

When using alternative water sources, receipts and other documentation must be retained for presentation upon possible request by Council.

Pools and water play

  • New and renovated swimming pools and spas (pool covers must be used to comply with this policy).

Not permitted under these restriction levels. 

When using alternative water sources, receipts and other documentation must be retained for presentation upon possible request by Council.

  • Existing swimming pools and spas, topping up (pool covers must be used to comply with this policy).

Not permitted under these restriction levels. 

When using alternative water sources, receipts and other documentation must be retained for presentation upon possible request by Council.

  • Water play pools and water toys

Not permitted.

Vehicle washing

  • Washing of vehicles by a person other than a mobile commercial operator, using a bucket to, clean vehicle mirrors, lights, glass and number plates to maintain safe operation and satisfy number plate visibility requirements, clean vehicle parts required to comply with statutory or regulatory obligations, spot clean the body of a vehicle to remove potentially paint damaging deposits/marks or to flush an inboard or outboard motor or vehicle brakes to prevent corrosion and maintain safe operation.

Summer (1 October – 31 March) 5.30pm – 6.30pm.
Winter (1 April – 30 September) 4.30pm – 5.30pm.

If general vehicle washing is required, water must be sourced from an alternative water source.

General cleaning

  • General outdoor cleaning of materials and equipment, using a bucket, hand-held hose with trigger or twist nozzle or a high pressure water cleaning unit to prevent or otherwise address a material health or safety risk.

Summer (1 October – 31 March) 5.30pm – 6.30pm.
Winter (1 April – 30 September) 4.30pm – 5.30pm.

Animal husbandry and pet care

  • Care of pets and animals -  including: the provision of drinking water, washing of animals using a hand-held hose, cleaning of animal pens and enclosures and removal of animal waste from hard surfaces and any other purpose approved by a registered Veterinarian as part of an animal’s recovery or care

On all days and at any time for animal welfare and survival purposes.

Building, construction and development

  • Building construction

On all days and at any time provided the construction site is attended when water is being used.

Water features and water storage

  • Fountains, ponds and outdoor aquariums

Water from the reticulated supply is not to be used for this purpose.* **

* We may perform water testing to determine the presence of water from a town supply system.

** If an alternative source of water is used this could create public health issues due to aerosol spray.

Lakes, dams and other water storage facilities

Not permitted.*

* We may perform water testing to determine the presence of water from a town supply system.

Rainwater tanks

If water from the reticulated supply is used to refill tanks then the restrictions above, for the related type of water use, must be adhered to.*

* We may perform water testing to determine the presence of water from a town supply system.

How to estimate your daily usage

There are several ways you can estimate your daily water usage:

  1. Check your water rates notice. This shows your daily water consumption for the household and compares it to the usage in the previous water rates period. 
  2. Check your water meter. Find out about how to read your water meter.
  3. Appliances that are reasonably new come with the manufacturer's product information which will tell you how much water they use.