Changes to Melbourne’s Water Restrictions – Stage 3a to
Stage 2

From September 1st 2010 Melbourne will no longer be on Stage 3a water restrictions. Instead Melbourne will be moving to Stage 2, which will allow for the greater use of water both domestically and industrially. According to the Victorian Uniform Drought Water Restriction Guidelines there will be different uses of water under Stage 2 for automotive businesses. Below are the Stage 2 requirements for businesses in the automotive industry covered by the Water Restriction Guidelines.  

Motor Vehicle Dealers – Water must not be used to clean vehicles in a motor vehicle dealership except on Mondays and Fridays, and then only by means of:

• a high pressure water cleaning device; or
• a commercial car wash; or
• a watering can or bucket filled directly from a tap (and not by means of a hose).

Commercial Car Wash – A commercial car wash (other than a permanent bay car wash) must not use water to clean vehicles except by means of:

• a high pressure water cleaning device; or
• a watering can or bucket filled directly from a tap (and not by means of a hose).

Hard Surfaces – Waster must not be used to clean a hard surface unless cleaning is required as a result of:

• an accident, fire, health hazard or other emergency and a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle is used; or
• construction or renovation work to the hard surface, and a high pressure water cleaning device is used.

For further information on Stage 2 water restrictions contact the VACC Environmental Unit on (03) 9829 1117, or contact your local water authority.