When can I water?

Under Water Wise Measures, watering times are generally the same for business as they are for homes. But, depending on your business, you may have extra times in which watering is allowed.

Retail garden centres

You can water by hand at any time. "By hand" means by a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, a watering can, a bucket, or a drip-feed irrigation system.

Sprinklers can be used for watering before 10 am, or after 5 pm.

On days when the maximum temperature is expected to exceed 30 degrees Celsius, you can also use sprinklers between 1 pm and 2 pm.

Sports grounds and recreational facilities

Sports grounds and recreational facilities can be watered with an Irrigated Public Open Space (IPOS) Permit. Read this page to learn more about IPOS. 

Construction sites

Water can be used for dust suppression and compaction. You can only do this:

• from a tap, using a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle.
• from a motor vehicle designed and approved to carry or deposit water.

Pools and spas

Before putting in a pool or spa, make sure you get a swimming pool permit from SA Water. This permit lets you fill the pool or spa.

As part of the permit conditions, you must have a Smart Approved WaterMark pool cover (or a liquid blanket with an auto-doser or six months' supply). We will want to see proof of purchase before giving you the permit.

Driveways, paths, verandas and entertaining areas

You can hose down paved areas only if it is to:

• protect public health
• ensure the safety of people using the area
• ensure the health and welfare of animals using the area
• deal with fire, accident or other emergencies.

Make sure you use a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, or a high-pressure, low-volume water cleaner.