Water Restrictions

There are currently no water restrictions in place for the Byron Shire, including Mullumbimby.

The Byron Shire sources its water from the Rocky Creek Dam which is managed by Rous County Council. Mullumbimby sources its water from Council's Lavertys Gap Weir.

Information about water restrictions is provided below. This information is sourced from the Rous website. 

Businesses that rely on outdoor water use will need to contact Rous County Council to apply for an exemption. 

Level one water restrictions

Urban and rural residents

  • You can water your gardens at any time with a watering can or bucket.
  • Hand-held hoses must have an on/off nozzle.
  • You can water the garden with a hand-held hose (for 1 hour) or irrigation system (15 minute max) between 4pm and 9am every second day, according to your house number. Odd house numbers on the 1st, 3rd, 5th and so on. Even house numbers on the 2nd, 4th, 6th and so on. 
  • No watering of lawns.
  • You can wash your car using a watering can or bucket at any time.  Hand-held hoses cans be used between 4pm and 9am.  

There are water restrictions in place for businesses as well. For more information visit the Rous County Council website

Level two water restrictions

Urban and rural residents

  • You can water your gardens at any time with a watering can or bucket.
  • Hand-held hoses must have an on/off nozzle.
  • You can water the garden with a hand-held hose (for 30 minutes) or irrigation system (15 minute max) between 4pm and 9am every second day, depending on your house number. Odd house numbers on the 1st, 3rd, 5th and so on. Even house numbers on the 2nd, 4th, 6th and so on. 
  • No watering of lawns.
  • You can wash your car using a watering can or bucket for 10 minutes between 4pm and 9am every second day according to your house number.   You can use water efficient, high-pressure cleaners with a trigger control.

There are water restrictions in place for businesses as well.  For a complete list of Level 2 restrictions for household and businesses visit the Rous County Council website and download a table of Water Saving Measures at each Water Restriction Level.  

Level three water restrictions

Urban and rural residents

  • You can water your gardens at any time with a watering can or bucket.
  • You can water the garden with a hand-held hose (for 30 minutes) or irrigation system (15 minute max) between 4pm – 9am every second day, depending on your house number.  Odd house numbers on the 1st, 3rd, 5th and so on. Even house numbers on the 2nd, 4th, 6th and so on.
  • No watering of lawns.
  • You can wash your car using a water efficient, high-pressure cleaners with a trigger control for five minutes between 4pm – 9am every second day according to your house number.   

There are water restrictions in place for businesses as well.  For a complete list of Level 3 restrictions for household and businesses visit the Rous County Council website and download a table of Water Saving Measures at each Water Restriction Level.  

Level four water restrictions

Urban and rural residents

  • No watering of gardens, lawns, washing cars, driveways etc.
  • Showers, taps, toilets, washing machines - essential uses only.
  • No watering gardens or lawns.
  • No refilling pools/spas.
  • No water play tools, toys and slides.
  • Topping up and refilling of existing swimming pools and spas is permitted if required to reduce structural damage between 4pm and 9am using hand held hose fitted with an on/off nozzle.
  • Washing pets and pet pens with bucket permitted between 4pm and 9am. Use of hoses not permitted.

There are water restrictions in place for businesses as well.  For a complete list of Level 4 restrictions for household and businesses visit the Rous County Council website and download a table of Water Saving Measures at each Water Restriction Level. 

Level 5 - emergency - water restrictions

Urban and rural residents

  • No outside water use at all with the exception of providing drinking water for pets and animals.
  • No watering of gardens, lawns, washing cars, driveways etc.

There are water restrictions in place for businesses as well.  For a complete list of Level 5/Emergency restrictions for household and businesses visit the Rous County Council website and download a table of Water Saving Measures at each Water Restriction Level. 

The restrictions apply to the use of potable water only and include rainwater tanks that are topped-up with potable town water.

The use of standalone rainwater, bore water and or recycled water is not restricted but must be identified by signage at the location of water use. 

Water restrictions are enforceable and fines apply. To report a breach of the water restrictions:

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