The Victorian Government is committed to reducing demand for water and ensuring the efficient use of water at all times.

Action 5.4 of the Our Water Our Future action plan requires all water corporations to introduce Permanent Water Saving Rules which are developed at the local level and suitable for local conditions. This commitment recognises that inefficient and unacceptable uses of our valuable water resources should no longer be permitted.

The six key Permanent Water Saving Rules are:

• Use manual watering systems only between 8pm and 10am
• Use automatic watering systems only between 10pm and 10am
• Fit your hose with a trigger nozzle
• No hosing paved areas
• Apply to fill a new pool
• Non-residential customers who use more than 10ML per annum of potable (drinking) water from an urban supply are required to develop a water management action plan.

These rules are in place at all times, and penalties apply to those who don't follow them. When water restrictions are also in place, the more severe of the rules or restrictions apply.

Regional water corporations have also developed their Permanent Water Saving Plans. More information on these can be found on each regional water corporation's website.

While Permanent Water Saving Rules won't prevent the need for water restrictions during major drought periods, they will help to stop water wastage and encourage all of us to value this precious resource for the long term.