Independent Schools Victoria Compliance Framework

Issues such as buildings and grounds, and essential services maintenance.

Water restrictions

Please scroll to the bottom of the page for contacts and links

Do you need to comply?

Probably - the severity of water restrictions will depend on your locality.

Conditions of compliance

As a result of the ongoing dry conditions being experienced in many parts of Victoria, water authorities have implemented water restrictions. Under the Water Industry Act 1994 (Vic.), water authorities have the power to introduce and enforce water restrictions.

If you have to comply, what do you have to do?

Your school must abide by the water restrictions applicable to your locality.

Check with your local metropolitan or regional water authority for information on water restrictions that may be in place in your area. Some restrictions are modified to account for local conditions. Contact links for each authority are provided below.

Restrictions are only applicable to customers on a reticulated supply. These restrictions do not apply to customers using rainwater, stream diversions or groundwater. (Restrictions on groundwater and surface water diversions are dealt with via your local rural water authority).

Exemptions from water restrictions, to cover certain circumstances, can be applied for through your local water authority.

The Uniform Drought Water Restrictions Guidelines (click here) sets out the relevant restrictions under each stage. The Guidelines are incorporated into both the Metropolitan water authorities' Drought Response Plans and Regional Urban authorities' By-Laws. The Guidelines allow for local variation, ensuring that restrictions are suitable for local conditions.

What are the consequences if you don't comply?

Water restriction officers have the authority to issue on-the-spot fines. Water customers who break water restrictions could have their water supply restricted or face prosecution.

Who will help you?

Independent Schools Victoria contact:

Peter Roberts
Director, School Services
Ph. 03 9825 7211
peter.roberts@independentschools.vic.edu.au

Other links:

Melbourne Water

Our Water Our Future

Waterwatch Victoria (contains links to the websites of Regional Urban Water Authorities, Rural Water Authorities and Melbourne Metropolitan Water Authorities)

Click here to download a "Water Conservation Plan for Exempt Playing Surfaces at Sportsgrounds" application form (PDF)

Submitted 11/2/2006, edited 7/15/2008.