Mountains residents will have to use watering cans or buckets to water gardens from December 10, under new level 2 water restrictions to be imposed in NSW.
And watering times will still be only before 10am and after 4pm.
The restrictions will apply to Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Illawarra.
The premier, Gladys Berejiklian, said dam levels in the region are at 46 per cent at the moment, and dropping every week.
"Usually, we would expect to have level two water restrictions come into effect when dam levels reached 40 per cent. But given the rapid rate of decline of our dam levels we have decided to enact the next level of restrictions sooner than planned."
"We're experiencing one of the most severe droughts on record and we expect introducing level two restrictions to save 78.5 gigalitres of water per year."
Under the restrictions:
- Watering cans or buckets can only be used to water gardens before 10am and after 4pm;
- Drip irrigation or smart watering systems can be used for a maximum of 15 minutes a day before 10am and after 4pm;
- Existing pools or spa can only be topped up using a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, watering can or bucket for a maximum of 15 minutes a day. This can only be done to replace water lost through evaporation, not to replace water deliberately removed from the pool or spa;
- Cars and other vehicles can only be washed with a bucket and sponge;
- A permit will be needed to fill new or renovated pools and spas that hold more than 500 litres.
Gardeners can use rainwater as long as the tank or dam isn't topped up from, or switched to, the drinking water supply.
"We all need to do our bit to ensure we are using water wisely and these restrictions will help secure water for Sydney, Blue Mountains and Illawarra," the premier said.