Australian Capital Territory

Utilities (Water Restriction Scheme)
Approval 2010 (No 1)

Disallowable instrument DI2010—197

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
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The Utility (Water Conservation) Regulation 2006, made under the Utilities Act 2000, s. 261, provides for a water restrictions scheme in the ACT. 

The scheme supports the Utility (Water Conservation) Regulation 2006 providing for the introduction and implementation of a temporary water restrictions scheme.  The scheme provides different stages of restrictions on the use of water in times of water shortages, depending on the following factors:
•	dam storage levels;
•	the time of the year and likely future consumption of water;
•	daily consumption levels in the immediately preceding period;
•	daily consumption levels in corresponding periods in previous years;
•	currently available weather forecasts and other meteorological advice;
•	the desirability of reducing water usage on an ongoing basis;
•	the desirability of avoiding excessive reliance on only one of the ACT’s water catchments;
•	the possibility that, if restrictions do not sufficiently reduce current water consumption, water available for later supply may be of a quality that may cause damage to property; and
•	any other relevant consideration.

The scheme will be implemented by the utility, ACTEW Corporation Limited.  The scheme provides for four stages of water restrictions that are set in force based on when the utility considers it necessary or desirable to do so.  The most severe water restrictions will be imposed at Stage 4.  The scheme provides as notes definitions of key terms.

The scheme provides for target reductions in consumption of water under each specific stage relative to water conservation measures. 

The utility may grant exemptions or partial exemptions to specified customers.

The scheme is the same as the previous scheme established in September 2006 except that it provides in section 6 of Stage 2 of the scheme for consistency and clarity with respect to the filling of new swimming pools as well as existing swimming pools.