With the recent announcement that Level 2 Water Restrictions will come into force from December 10 2019, Sydney is facing its harshest water restrictions in more than a decade
In June 2019 and for the first time since the Millennium Drought in 2003, Sydney was placed on Level 1 Restrictions. However, rainfall in catchment areas since June has been minimal, forcing the NSW State Government to announce the introduction of Level 2 Restrictions.
These restrictions will impact all car wash operators in Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains and The Illawarra.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said in a statement “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 that by introducing level two restrictions to save 78.5 gigalitres of water per year.”
ACWA has worked tirelessly to get the best possible outcome for the commercial car wash industry and ensure the industry can continue to operate during Sydney’s water restrictions. We are pleased that under Level 2 Restrictions, commercial car washes can access permits to wash via the exemption process.
ACWA will continue to fight for the rights of commercial car washes to operate during restrictions, but we can’t do it alone. Please help us, help you by contributing to the Water Restrictions Fighting Fund at https://acwa.net.au/join-the-fighting-fund/#!form/Levy
Your Association continues to work closely with Sydney Water, and we are currently seeking clarity around conditions accompanying Level 2 Restrictions for car wash operators. A further communication to members will be issued in the coming days.
Sydney Water Level 2 Water Restrictions – Key Points for Car Wash Operators:
• Level 2 Water Restrictions will be introduced on December 10 2019
• Level 2 Water Restrictions apply to car wash operators in Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Illawarra.
• Car washing can only take place by using a bucket and sponge or in a commercial car wash.
• Car wash operators with businesses under the authority of Sydney Water (Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Illawarra) must have a valid Exemption Permit.
• Car wash operators who have a Level 1 Exemption Permit need do nothing at this time. Sydney Water will contact these operators by mid-December and outline the necessary process. In the meantime, these sites can continue using water under the conditions of the Level 1 Permit.
• Car wash operators without a current Exemption Permit, need to apply for a Water Restrictions Exemption online at https://www.sydneywater.com.au/SW/water-the-environment/what-we-re-doing/water-restrictions/water-restrictions-exemption-request/index.htm. A separate Exemption Permit is required for each car wash site.
• Car wash operators can face fines of $550 per day if they are operating outside water restrictions conditions.
