Australia: Sydney to implement water restrictions June 1

Event

The New South Wales state government announced on Tuesday, May 28, that water restrictions for Sydney, the Blue Mountains, and Illawarra would be enforced beginning Saturday, June 1, in response to an ongoing drought. Restrictions will mainly apply to outdoor water use, such as trigger-nozzle requirements for hose use and daytime restrictions on lawn watering. The regulations will be enforced with fines. Residents are also being encouraged to limit indoor water use. Further restrictions are possible in the coming weeks and months.

Context

New South Wales state is experiencing its driest summer since 1888 and dam levels are currently at approximately 50 percent. Sydney previously had water restrictions in place from 2003 to 2009.

Advice

Individuals in New South Wales are advised to monitor the situation, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, and limit unnecessary use of water during droughts.