New By-Law for Water Restrictions

18 September 2009  

Goulburn Valley Water has recently introduced a new by-law for water restrictions across its region. This new by-law is based on the model by-law approved by the Minster for Water last year.

Goulburn Valley Water’s Managing Director, Mr Peter Quinn said that the new by-law will bring the Corporation in line with other water corporations across the state including Melbourne.  “There are two main changes and a number of other modifications to Stage 1 water restrictions that will impact our customers.”

“The first major change is the permitted hours for watering in the evenings.  Under Stage 1 water restrictions in accordance with By-Law No. 511 our customers are now permitted to water in the evenings using a manual watering system between the hours of 8pm and 10pm on alternate days,” said Mr Quinn.  “The watering hours in the morning for a manual system remain unchanged at 6am-8am.”

Mr Quinn said that the Corporation has also introduced a general exemption for people aged 70 years and over.  “If a person is 70 or over they can choose to water their garden with a manual watering system between the hours of 8am and 10am instead of 6am and 8am.  This is the same exemption that the metropolitan water businesses provide to their customers.”

“The other change relates to the topping up of swimming pools or spas,” said Mr Quinn.  “Under the new by-law a swimming pool or spa can only be topped up using a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or a watering can or bucket, filled either by a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or directly from a tap.”

Mr Quinn said that the Corporation would like to remind people that if they plan on putting a new pool in this summer it can only be filled with town water if they submit a water conservation plan and it is approved by the Corporation,” he said.

Full details of the new water restriction by-law and water conservation plans for swimming pools can be downloaded from the Goulburn Valley Water’s website www.gvwater.vic.gov.au or by contacting the Corporation’s 24 hour customer service centre on 1800 45 45 00.

For full details of the new water restriction by-law and water conservation plans for swimming pools please click here or contact the Corporation’s 24 hour customer service centre on 1800 45 45 00.

Authorised By P.A. Quinn, 104-110 Fryers Street Shepparton