Water Restrictions
The Queensland Water Commission introduced Permanent Water Conservation Measures on 1 December 2009 and these apply to all South East Queensland areas.
These measures outline the requirements for all businesses using town water. Some businesses are required to develop and use water in accordance with an approved Water Efficiency Management Plan (WEMP). Other businesses may be required to use water in accordance with water efficiency guidelines developed by the Queensland Water Commission.
For the following businesses WEMP requirements may apply:
- Premises using 10 million litres or more annually
- Premises operating cooling tower/s
- Premises irrigating an area of 500m2 or more
- Premises operating a public swimming pool
- Premises operating as a nursery, turf farm or market garden
Click here for information about WEMPs.
Restrictions for all business types
Premises using one million litres or more – Restriction Category 11.1
Businesses are notified to install water efficient fittings when their consumption exceeds 1 million litres for the first time. Businesses must demonstrate fittings are water efficient. These include:
- taps
- showers
- trigger sprays
Compliance is demonstrated by providing either a certificate from a licensed plumber or a statutory declaration confirming that the premises is fitted with water efficient devices.
Premises with urinal systems – Restriction Category 11.2
Any business with a urinal must demonstrate that all urinals on the premises are water efficient.
Compliance is demonstrated by providing either a certificate from a licensed plumber or a statutory declaration confirming that the premises is fitted with water efficient urinals.
Premises with swimming pools and spas – Restriction Category 13.2
Any business with a swimming pool or spa must comply with the following measures:
- install a rainwater tank or downpipe rainwater diverter
- ensure all showerheads and taps in common area are water efficient
- install a sub-meter by a licensed plumber on the pool or spa supply line
- keep a weekly log of readings from the sub-meter
- install a clear view screen in the backwash outlet line
Compliance is demonstrated by providing either a certificate from a licensed plumber or statutory declaration confirming that the pool or spa is compliant with the required measures.
Industry-specific restrictions
Specific industries must also meet the following targets and restriction requirements:
Vehicle washing in a fixed permanent location – Restriction Category 9.3
Operators undertaking washing of standard vehicles at fixed commercial premises must maximise their use of recirculated water and meet best practice targets.
Fixed commercial premises includes:
- vehicle service centres
- permanent bay car wash centres
- self serve car wash centres
- automatic car washing centres
Vehicle washing in a fixed permanent location must be in accordance with the Queensland Water Commission’s Water Efficiency Guideline – Fixed Commercial Premises. This guideline requires customers to submit compliance certification to Queensland Urban Utilities.
Sub-meters must be installed where the business consumes a significant proportion of the total volume of premises water used. This is unless the premises' physical characteristics prevent installation, or the premises is used solely for washing vehicles. A significant proportion is defined in the WEMP guidelines.
Mobile Commercial Operators
Mobile commercial operators must be trained in water use efficiency practices, use water only in accordance with water efficiency guidelines published by the Queensland Water Commission and have their business name registered with Commerce Queensland before using town water for business purposes.
For a list of operators required to comply with these requirements, refer to the guidelines and fact sheets on the Queensland Water Commission’s website.
Active playing surfaces- Restriction Category 12.3
Active playing surfaces can only be watered in accordance with the Active Playing Surface guidelines. All premises with an active playing surface:
- must be registered
- install an irrigation sub-meter
- display an approved sign
Previously active playing surface registrations were submitted to Brisbane City Council. From 1 July 2010, Active Playing Surface registrations will no longer be managed by Council, and will now be managed by Queensland Urban Utilities.
All information previously submitted to Council has been handed over to Queensland Urban Utilities and any further registration and information contact with your organisation regarding your active playing surface registration will be made via Queensland Urban Utilities.
Visitor accommodation – Restriction Category 16.1
To help visitors save water, traveller accommodation operators are required to clearly display water conservation information. Operators must encourage guests to be water-wise and display water conservation information in bathrooms for units and all shared facilities.
Visitor accommodation fact sheets can be found on the Queensland Water Commission’s website.
The Permanent Water Conservation Measures and Water Efficiency Guidelines are available from the Queensland Water Commission.