Australian Capital Territory
WATER RESTRICTION SCHEME APPROVAL 2002 
Disallowable instrument DI2002—203

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

The Utility (Water Restrictions) Regulations 2002, made under the Utilities Act 2000, s. 234, provides for a water restriction scheme in the ACT.

The scheme supports the Utility (Water Restrictions) Regulations 2002 providing for restrictions on the use of water in times of drought.  The scheme provides different stages of restrictions on the use of water, depending on the water storage at the time.

The scheme will be implemented by ACTEW Corporation Limited.  The scheme provides for five (5) stages of water restrictions that are automatically set in force when the Territory’s water storages reach 55%, 45%, 40%, 35%, and 30% consecutively.  The most severe water restrictions will be imposed at stage 5.  

The scheme provides for target reductions in consumption of water under each specific stage.

The scheme describes the limitations on water use that will be imposed at various stages by classes of use: private gardens and lawns, private ponds and garden fountains, parks, window washing etc.