{"id":"water-agencies-water-use-bylaws-2010","name":"Water Agencies (Water Use) By-laws 2010","slug":"water-agencies-water-use-by-laws-2010","collection":"regulation","jurisdiction":"wa","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":183841,"registerId":"wa-water-agencies-water-use-bylaws-2010-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-05","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Water Agencies (Water Use) By-laws 2010","content":"![Crest]()Western Australia\n\nWater Agencies (Powers) Act 1984\n\nWater Agencies (Water Use) By-laws 2010\n\nWestern Australia\n\nWater Agencies (Water Use) By-laws 2010\n\nContents\n\nPart 1 — Preliminary\n\n1. Citation 1\n\n2. Commencement 1\n\n3. Terms used 1\n\nPart 2 — Water restrictions\n\n4. Contravening restrictions, offence 4\n\n5. Area 1’s restrictions 4\n\n6. Area 2’s restrictions 4\n\n7. Area 3’s restrictions 5\n\n8. Area 4’s restrictions 5\n\nPart 3 — Exemptions from water restrictions\n\n10. *Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914* s. 5C, use of water under is exempt 6\n\n11. Domestic bore on other property, using water from 6\n\n12. Installing etc. reticulation system, using water for 6\n\n13. Vertimowing, fertilising etc. by commercial operator, watering after 7\n\n14. Market garden or plant nursery, watering of 7\n\n15. Caravan park site etc., watering of after vacation of 7\n\n16. Aviary, water for birds in 7\n\n17. Fire fighting, using water for 8\n\nSchedule 1 — Maps showing Areas 1, 2, 3 and 4\n\nSchedule 2 — Stages of restrictions\n\n1. Stage 1 11\n\n2. Stage 2 11\n\n3. Stage 3 12\n\n4. Stage 4 13\n\n5. Stage 5 14\n\n6. Stage 6 15\n\n7. Stage 7 16\n\nSchedule 3 — Specified days for watering by reticulation\n\nDivision 1 — Specified days for Schedule 2 clauses 3(1)(a), 4(2)(a), 5(2)(a) and 6(2)(a)\n\nDivision 2 — Specified days for Schedule 2 clause 4(1)(a)\n\nDivision 3 — Specified days for Schedule 2 clause 5(1)(a)\n\nNotes\n\nCompilation table 20\n\nOther notes 21\n\nDefined terms\n\n  \n\nWestern Australia\n\nWater Agencies (Powers) Act 1984\n\nWater Agencies (Water Use) By‑laws 2010\n\n## Part 1 — Preliminary\n\n##### 1. Citation\n\n\t\tThese by‑laws are the *Water Agencies (Water Use) By‑laws 2010*.\n\n##### 2. Commencement\n\nThese by‑laws come into operation as follows —\n\n(a) by‑laws 1 and 2 — on the day on which these by‑laws are published in the *Gazette*;\n\n(b) the rest of the by‑laws — on 1 April 2010.\n\n##### 3. Terms used\n\nIn these by‑laws, unless the contrary intention appears —\n\nArea means Area 1, Area 2, Area 3 or Area 4;\n\nArea 1 means that part of the State that is north of the line —\n\n(a) starting at latitude ‑ 27.428° and longitude 114.063°; and\n\n(b) extending to latitude ‑ 30.117° and longitude 117.081°; and\n\n(c) extending to latitude ‑ 30.117° and longitude 128.993°,\n\nas illustrated for information purposes on the maps shown in Schedule 1;\n\nArea 2 means that part of the State that is south of the line —\n\n(a) starting at latitude ‑ 27.428° and longitude 114.063°; and\n\n(b) extending to latitude ‑ 30.117° and longitude 117.081°; and\n\n(c) extending to latitude ‑ 30.117° and longitude 128.993°,\n\nexcept Area 3 or Area 4, as illustrated for information purposes on the maps shown in Schedule 1;\n\nArea 3 means the local government districts of Bayswater, Mandurah, Murray, Joondalup, Wanneroo, Swan, Perth, Canning, Belmont, Vincent, Kwinana, Rockingham, Cockburn, Armadale, Gosnells, Peppermint Grove, Stirling, Fremantle, Claremont, Subiaco, Cottesloe, East Fremantle, Victoria Park, South Perth, Mundaring, Kalamunda, Melville, Serpentine‑Jarrahdale, Nedlands, Mosman Park, Bassendean and Cambridge, as illustrated for information purposes on the maps shown in Schedule 1;\n\nArea 4 means the local government districts of Dardanup, Bunbury, Cranbrook, Donnybrook‑Balingup, Collie, Capel, Busselton, Nannup, Augusta‑Margaret River, Albany, Boyup Brook, Manjimup, Bridgetown‑Greenbushes, Waroona, Harvey, Plantagenet and Denmark, as illustrated for information purposes on the maps shown in Schedule 1;\n\ndomestic bore means a non‑artesian well as defined in the *Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914* section 2(1) from which the only water that can be taken is from the water table aquifer;\n\ndomestic bore water  or water means water taken from a domestic bore;\n\nevening period means the period after 6.00 p.m.;\n\ngarden does not include any indoor plants or plants growing inside a glasshouse;\n\nhigh pressure water cleaner means a cleaning device that uses pressurised water flowing at a rate of not more than 6 L per minute;\n\nlawn does not include a grass‑covered sporting ground;\n\nmorning period means the period before 9.00 a.m.;\n\nrelevant property, in relation to the watering of a lawn, garden or grass‑covered sporting ground, means the property on which the lawn, garden or grass‑covered sporting ground is located;\n\nstage of restrictions means a stage of restrictions set out in Schedule 2;\n\nsynthetic sporting ground means a sporting ground that has a synthetic surface designed to be used after watering;\n\nweek means a period of 7 successive days beginning with Sunday.\n\n[By‑law 3 amended: Gazette 30 Nov 2010 p. 6016; 14 Nov 2013 p. 5097; 9 May 2017 p. 2431.]\n\n## Part 2 — Water restrictions\n\n[Division 1A (bl. 4A) deleted: Gazette 9 May 2017 p. 2431.]\n\n[Division 1 heading deleted: Gazette 9 May 2017 p. 2432.]\n\n##### 4. Contravening restrictions, offence\n\n[(1) deleted]\n\n(2) A person must not, without written approval of the CEO, use water in contravention of the stage of restrictions applicable under these by‑laws.\n\nPenalty: a fine of $500.\n\n[By‑law 4 amended: Gazette 28 Sep 2010 p. 5063; 14 Nov 2013 p. 5098.]\n\n##### 5. Area 1’s restrictions\n\n[(1) deleted]\n\n(2) The stage of restrictions that applies in relation to the use of domestic bore water in Area 1 is stage 1.\n\n[By‑law 5 amended: Gazette 28 Sep 2010 p. 5063; 14 Nov 2013 p. 5098.]\n\n##### 6. Area 2’s restrictions\n\n[(1) deleted]\n\n(2) The stage of restrictions that applies in relation to the use of domestic bore water in Area 2 is stage 1.\n\n[By‑law 6 amended: Gazette 28 Sep 2010 p. 5064; 8 Mar 2011 p. 801; 14 Nov 2013 p. 5098.]\n\n##### 7. Area 3’s restrictions\n\n[(1) deleted]\n\n(2) The stage of restrictions that applies in relation to the use of domestic bore water in Area 3 is —\n\n(a) from 1 June to 31 August in a particular year — stage 6; and\n\n(b) at any other time of the year — stage 4.\n\n[By‑law 7 amended: Gazette 28 Sep 2010 p. 5064; 30 Nov 2010 p. 6016; 14 Nov 2013 p. 5098; SL 2022/141 bl. 4.]\n\n##### 8. Area 4’s restrictions\n\n[(1) deleted]\n\n(2) The stage of restrictions that applies in relation to the use of domestic bore water in Area 4 is —\n\n(a) from 1 June to 31 August in a particular year — stage 6; and\n\n(b) at any other time of the year — stage 1.\n\n[By‑law 8 amended: Gazette 28 Sep 2010 p. 5064; 14 Nov 2013 p. 5098.]\n\n[**9, 10AA, 10A.** Deleted: Gazette 14 Nov 2013 p. 5098.]\n\n[Division 2 heading deleted: Gazette 9 May 2017 p. 2432.]\n\n## Part 3 — Exemptions from water restrictions\n\n[Heading inserted: Gazette 9 May 2017 p. 2432.]\n\n##### 10. *Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914* s. 5C, use of water under is exempt\n\nA person does not commit an offence under by‑law 4 if the person uses water in accordance with a licence under the *Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914* section 5C.\n\n##### 11. Domestic bore on other property, using water from\n\n(1) This by‑law applies to a person using domestic bore water to water a lawn or garden by reticulation in circumstances where —\n\n(a) a stage of restrictions prohibits the use of the water except on a day or days of the month determined by reference to the street number or, where there is no street number, the lot number of the relevant property; and\n\n(b) the domestic bore is located on property with a different street or lot number (the other property).\n\n(2) The person does not contravene the stage of restrictions only because, in any particular week —\n\n(a) the person uses the water on days determined by reference to the street number or, where there is no street number, the lot number of the other property; and\n\n(b) the person does not use the water on any other day.\n\n##### 12. Installing etc. reticulation system, using water for\n\n(1) A person does not commit an offence under by‑law 4 if the person operates a reticulation system using domestic bore water to the minimum extent necessary while the reticulation system is being installed, maintained, tested or repaired.\n\n(2) A person does not commit an offence under by‑law 4 if, in the course of the person’s occupation in the turf, garden or landscaping industries, the person operates a reticulation system using domestic bore water to the minimum extent necessary while the reticulation system is being installed, maintained, tested or repaired.\n\n[By‑law 12 amended: Gazette 14 Nov 2013 p. 5099.]\n\n##### 13. Vertimowing, fertilising etc. by commercial operator, watering after\n\n(1) This by‑law applies to the use of water in an Area unless the stage of restrictions designated stage 7 applies to that Area.\n\n(2) A person does not commit an offence under by‑law 4 if, in the course of the person’s occupation in the turf, garden or landscaping industries, the person waters a lawn, garden or grass‑covered sporting ground immediately after —\n\n(a) vertimowing; or\n\n(b) the application of a fertiliser or wetting agent.\n\n##### 14. Market garden or plant nursery, watering of\n\nA person does not commit an offence under by‑law 4 if the person waters a market garden or plant nursery to the minimum extent necessary to ensure the viable operation of the market garden or plant nursery.\n\n##### 15. Caravan park site etc., watering of after vacation of\n\nA person does not commit an offence under by‑law 4 if the person waters a site as defined in the *Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds Act 1995* section 5(1) immediately after the site has been vacated by an occupier.\n\n##### 16. Aviary, water for birds in\n\nA person does not commit an offence under by‑law 4 if the person waters an aviary to the minimum extent necessary to maintain the birds in that aviary.\n\n##### 17. Fire fighting, using water for\n\nA person does not commit an offence under by‑law 4 if the person uses water to the minimum extent necessary for fire fighting or training for fire fighting.\n\n[Part 3 (bl. 18‑29) deleted: Gazette 9 May 2017 p. 2432.]\n\n[Part 4 (bl. 30‑31) deleted: Gazette 9 May 2017 p. 2432.]\n\nSchedule 1 — Maps showing Areas 1, 2, 3 and 4\n\n[bl. 3]\n\n![WCStage6]()\n\n![WCStage6_SW3_4]()\n\nSchedule 2 — Stages of restrictions\n\n[bl. 3]\n\n1. Stage 1\n\n(1) A person must not water a lawn, garden or grass‑covered sporting ground except by —\n\n(a) reticulation during either, but not both, the morning period or the evening period on a particular day; or\n\n(b) a handheld hose with one outlet; or\n\n(c) a handheld watering can.\n\n(2) A person must not water a synthetic sporting ground except for 10 minutes or less before a sport is played or practised on the sporting ground.\n\n2. Stage 2\n\n(1) A person must not water a lawn, garden or grass‑covered sporting ground except by —\n\n(a) reticulation during either, but not both, the morning period or the evening period —\n\n(i) on any even numbered day of the month if the relevant property has an even street number or, where there is no street number, an even lot number; or\n\n(ii) on any odd numbered day of the month if the relevant property has an odd street number or, where there is no street number, an odd lot number;\n\nor\n\n(b) a handheld hose with one outlet; or\n\n(c) a handheld watering can.\n\n(2) A person must not spray a building, building site, demolition site (including vacant land resulting from a demolition), path, paved area or road except —\n\n(a) with —\n\n(i) a high pressure water cleaner; or\n\n(ii) a handheld hose with one outlet,\n\nto the minimum extent necessary for the cleaning of the building, building site, demolition site (including vacant land resulting from a demolition), path, paved area or road so as to avoid a threat to public health or safety; or\n\n(b) with a handheld hose with one outlet to the minimum extent necessary for purposes related to the construction, demolition or repair of the building, path, paved area or road.\n\n(3) A person must not water a synthetic sporting ground except for 10 minutes or less before a sport is played or practised on the sporting ground.\n\n3. Stage 3\n\n(1) A person must not water a lawn, garden or grass‑covered sporting ground except by —\n\n(a) reticulation during either, but not both, the morning period or the evening period on one or more of 3 days of the week specified in relation to the relevant property in Schedule 3 Division 1; or\n\n(b) a handheld hose with one outlet; or\n\n(c) a handheld watering can.\n\n(2) A person must not spray a building, building site, demolition site (including vacant land resulting from a demolition), path, paved area or road except —\n\n(a) with —\n\n(i) a high pressure water cleaner; or\n\n(ii) a handheld hose with one outlet,\n\nto the minimum extent necessary for the cleaning of the building, building site, demolition site (including vacant land resulting from a demolition), path, paved area or road so as to avoid a threat to public health or safety; or\n\n(b) with a handheld hose with one outlet to the minimum extent necessary for purposes related to the construction, demolition or repair of the building, path, paved area or road.\n\n(3) A person must not water a synthetic sporting ground except for 10 minutes or less before a sport is played or practised on the sporting ground.\n\n4. Stage 4\n\n(1) A person must not water a lawn or garden except by —\n\n(a) reticulation during either, but not both, the morning period or the evening period on one or both of 2 days of the week specified in relation to the relevant property in Schedule 3 Division 2; or\n\n(b) a handheld hose with one outlet; or\n\n(c) a handheld watering can.\n\n(2) A person must not water a grass‑covered sporting ground except by —\n\n(a) reticulation during either, but not both, the morning period or the evening period on one or more of 3 days of the week specified in relation to the relevant property in Schedule 3 Division 1; or\n\n(b) a handheld hose with one outlet; or\n\n(c) a handheld watering can.\n\n(3) A person must not spray a building, building site, demolition site (including vacant land resulting from a demolition), path, paved area or road except —\n\n(a) with —\n\n(i) a high pressure water cleaner; or\n\n(ii) a handheld hose with one outlet,\n\nto the minimum extent necessary for the cleaning of the building, building site, demolition site (including vacant land resulting from a demolition), path, paved area or road so as to avoid a threat to public health or safety; or\n\n(b) with a handheld hose with one outlet to the minimum extent necessary for purposes related to the construction, demolition or repair of the building, path, paved area or road.\n\n(4) A person must not water a synthetic sporting ground except for 10 minutes or less before a sport is played or practised on the sporting ground.\n\n5. Stage 5\n\n(1) A person must not water a lawn or garden except by —\n\n(a) reticulation during either, but not both, the morning period or the evening period on one day of the week specified in relation to the relevant property in Schedule 3 Division 3; or\n\n(b) a handheld hose with one outlet; or\n\n(c) a handheld watering can.\n\n(2) A person must not water a grass‑covered sporting ground except by —\n\n(a) reticulation during either, but not both, the morning period or the evening period on one or more of 3 days of the week specified in relation to the relevant property in Schedule 3 Division 1; or\n\n(b) a handheld hose with one outlet; or\n\n(c) a handheld watering can.\n\n(3) A person must not spray a building, building site, demolition site (including vacant land resulting from a demolition), path, paved area or road except —\n\n(a) with —\n\n(i) a high pressure water cleaner; or\n\n(ii) a handheld hose with one outlet,\n\nto the minimum extent necessary for the cleaning of the building, building site, demolition site (including vacant land resulting from a demolition), path, paved area or road so as to avoid a threat to public health or safety; or\n\n(b) with a handheld hose with one outlet to the minimum extent necessary for purposes related to the construction, demolition or repair of the building, path, paved area or road.\n\n(4) A person must not water a synthetic sporting ground except for 10 minutes or less before a sport is played or practised on the sporting ground.\n\n6. Stage 6\n\n(1) A person must not water a lawn or garden except by —\n\n(a) a handheld hose with one outlet; or\n\n(b) a handheld watering can.\n\n(2) A person must not water a grass‑covered sporting ground except by —\n\n(a) reticulation during either, but not both, the morning period or the evening period on one or more of 3 days of the week specified in relation to the relevant property in Schedule 3 Division 1; or\n\n(b) a handheld hose with one outlet; or\n\n(c) a handheld watering can.\n\n(3) A person must not spray a building, building site, demolition site (including vacant land resulting from a demolition), path, paved area or road except —\n\n(a) with —\n\n(i) a high pressure water cleaner; or\n\n(ii) a handheld hose with one outlet,\n\nto the minimum extent necessary for the cleaning of the building, building site, demolition site (including vacant land resulting from a demolition), path, paved area or road so as to avoid a threat to public health or safety; or\n\n(b) with a handheld hose with one outlet to the minimum extent necessary for purposes related to the construction, demolition or repair of the building, path, paved area or road.\n\n(4) A person must not fill a swimming pool except —\n\n(a) to replace water lost from the pool through evaporation or ordinary use; and\n\n(b) to the minimum extent necessary for the proper functioning of the pool.\n\n(5) A person must not water a synthetic sporting ground except for 10 minutes or less before a sport is played or practised on the sporting ground.\n\n7. Stage 7\n\n(1) A person must not water a lawn, garden, grass‑covered sporting ground or synthetic sporting ground except by a handheld watering can.\n\n(2) A person must not spray a building, building site, demolition site (including vacant land resulting from a demolition), path, paved area or road except —\n\n(a) with —\n\n(i) a high pressure water cleaner; or\n\n(ii) a handheld hose with one outlet,\n\nto the minimum extent necessary for the cleaning of the building, building site, demolition site (including vacant land resulting from a demolition), path, paved area or road so as to avoid a threat to public health or safety; or\n\n(b) with a handheld hose with one outlet to the minimum extent necessary for purposes related to the construction, demolition or repair of the building, path, paved area or road.\n\n(3) A person must not fill a swimming pool.\n\n(4) A person must not wash a motor vehicle except —\n\n(a) to the minimum extent necessary to enable the vehicle to be driven safely; and\n\n(b) by using a bucket of water and a cloth.\n\nSchedule 3 — Specified days for watering by reticulation\n\n[bl. 3, 6, Sch. 2 cl. 3, 4, 5 and 6]\n\nDivision 1 — Specified days for Schedule 2 clauses 3(1)(a), 4(2)(a), 5(2)(a) and 6(2)(a)\n\n| **Last digit of property’s street number or, where there is no street number, lot number** | **Days for watering by reticulation** |\n| --- | --- |\n| 1 | Monday, Wednesday and Saturday |\n| 2 | Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday |\n| 3 | Monday, Wednesday and Friday |\n| 4 | Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday |\n| 5 | Sunday, Wednesday and Friday |\n| 6 | Monday, Thursday and Saturday |\n| 7 | Sunday, Tuesday and Friday |\n| 8 | Monday, Wednesday and Saturday |\n| 9 | Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday |\n| 0 | Monday, Wednesday and Friday |\n\n\nDivision 2 — Specified days for Schedule 2 clause 4(1)(a)\n\n| **Last digit of property’s street number or, where there is no street number, lot number** | **Days for watering by reticulation** |\n| --- | --- |\n| 1 | Wednesday and Saturday |\n| 2 | Sunday and Thursday |\n| 3 | Monday and Friday |\n| 4 | Tuesday and Saturday |\n| 5 | Sunday and Wednesday |\n| 6 | Monday and Thursday |\n| 7 | Tuesday and Friday |\n| 8 | Wednesday and Saturday |\n| 9 | Sunday and Thursday |\n| 0 | Monday and Friday |\n\n\nDivision 3 — Specified days for Schedule 2 clause 5(1)(a)\n\n| **Last digit of property’s street number or, where there is no street number, lot number** | | **Day for watering by reticulation** |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| 1 | | Wednesday |\n| 2 | | Thursday |\n| 3 | | Friday |\n| 4 | | Saturday |\n| 5 | | Sunday |\n| 6 | | Monday |\n| 7 | | Tuesday |\n| 8 | Wednesday |\n| 9 | Thursday |\n| 0 | Friday |\n\n\n[Division 3 amended: Gazette 28 Sep 2010 p. 5065.]\n\n[Schedule 4 deleted: Gazette 14 Nov 2013 p. 5099.]\n\n![dline]()\n\nNotes\n\nThis is a compilation of the *Water Agencies (Water Use) By-laws 2010* and includes amendments made by other written laws. For provisions that have come into operation, and for information about any reprints, see the compilation table.\n\nCompilation table\n\n| **Citation** | **Published** | **Commencement** |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| *Water Agencies (Water Use) By‑laws 2010* | 16 Mar 2010 p. 999‑1031 | bl. 1 and 2: 16 Mar 2010 (see bl. 2(a));   By‑laws other than bl. 1 and 2: 1 Apr 2010 (see bl. 2(b)) |\n| *Water Agencies (Water Use) Amendment By‑laws 2010* | 28 Sep 2010 p. 5063‑5 | bl. 1 and 2: 28 Sep 2010 (see bl. 2(a));   By‑laws other than bl. 1 and 2: 1 Oct 2010 (see bl. 2(b)) |\n| *Water Agencies (Water Use) Amendment By‑laws (No. 2) 2010* | 30 Nov 2010 p. 6016‑22 | bl. 1 and 2: 30 Nov 2010 (see bl. 2(a));   By‑laws other than bl. 1 and 2: 1 Dec 2010 (see bl. 2(b)) |\n| *Water Agencies (Water Use) Amendment By‑laws 2011* | 8 Mar 2011 p. 801‑4 | bl. 1 and 2: 8 Mar 2011 (see bl. 2(a));   By‑laws other than bl. 1 and 2: 9 Mar 2011 (see bl. 2(b)) |\n| *Water Agencies (Water Use) Amendment By‑laws (No. 2) 2011* | 18 Nov 2011 p. 4818‑19 | bl. 1 and 2: 18 Nov 2011 (see bl. 2(a));   By‑laws other than bl. 1 and 2: 19 Nov 2011 (see bl. 2(b)) |\n| *Water Agencies (Water Use) Amendment By‑laws 2012* | 24 Aug 2012 p. 3961‑3 | bl. 1 and 2: 24 Aug 2012 (see bl. 2(a));   By‑laws other than bl. 1 and 2: 25 Aug 2012 (see bl. 2(b)) |\n| **Reprint 1: The *Water Agencies (Water Use) By‑laws 2010* as at 5 Apr 2013**   (includes amendments listed above) | | |\n| *Water Agencies (Water Use) Amendment By laws 2013* | 14 Nov 2013 p. 5097-9 | bl. 1 and 2: 14 Nov 2013 (see bl. 2(a));   By-laws other than bl. 1 and 2: 18 Nov 2013 (see bl. 2(b) and *Gazette* 14 Nov 2013 p. 5027) |\n| *Water Agencies (Water Use) Amendment By‑laws 2017* | 9 May 2017 p. 2431­2 | bl. 1 and 2: 9 May 2017 (see bl. 2(a));   By‑laws other than bl. 1 and 2: 10 May 2017 (see bl. 2(b)) |\n| *Water Agencies (Water Use) Amendment By-laws 2022* | SL 2022/141 9 Aug 2022 | bl. 1 and 2: 9 Aug 2022 (see bl. 2(a));   By‑laws other than bl. 1 and 2: 1 Sep 2022 (see bl. 2(b)) |\n\n\nOther notes\n\n1 The *Water Agencies (Water Use) Amendment By-laws 2016* (published 13 Dec 2016 p. 5657-8), which purport to amend the principal by-laws, are of no effect as those amending by-laws were made by the Governor. By-laws made under the *Water Agencies (Powers) Act 1984* section 34 must be made by the Minister. The amendments purportedly made by the *Water Agencies (Water Use) Amendment By-laws 2016* are therefore not included in the compilation of the principal by-laws.\n\nDefined terms\n\n*[This is a list of terms defined and the provisions where they are defined. The list is not part of the law.]*\n\n**Defined term Provision(s)**\n\napproved 18\n\nArea 3\n\nArea 1 3\n\nArea 2 3\n\nArea 3 3\n\nArea 4 3\n\ncommencement day 31(1)\n\nconsumption year, 18\n\ndomestic bore 3\n\ndomestic bore water or water 3\n\nevening period 3\n\nformer plan 31(1)\n\ngarden 3\n\nhigh pressure water cleaner 3\n\nlawn 3\n\nmorning period 3\n\nnon‑residential lot 18\n\nother property 11(1)\n\nrelevant property 3\n\nrestriction notice 31(1)\n\nscheme water efficiency management plan 18\n\nspecified day 31(1)\n\nstage of restrictions 3\n\nsynthetic sporting ground 3\n\nwater 4A, 18\n\nweek 3\n\n© State of Western Australia 2022.\n\nThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence (CC BY 4.0). To view relevant information and for a link to a copy of the licence, visit www.legislation.wa.gov.au.\n\nAttribute work as: © State of Western Australia 2022.\n\nBy Authority: GEOFF O. LAWN, Government Printer\n","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[],"contradictions":[]},"summary":{"complexity_score":1,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"Scope cannot be assessed as no legislative text was supplied. The submission contains only a broken-link error page from the Western Australian legislation website."},"complexity_factors":["No actual legislative text was provided — only a webpage error message","Cannot assess complexity without substantive content","Score of 1 reflects absence of analysable material, not simplicity of the underlying law"],"plain_english_summary":"The Water Agencies (Water Use) By-laws 2010 was a Western Australian subordinate instrument setting rules on how water may be used—affecting households, businesses, bores and water agencies’ management of consumption. The specific by‑law text is not available at the page you tried to access due to a site upgrade.\n\nTo review the current law, search the WA Legislation website or contact the Parliamentary Counsel’s Office helpdesk for assistance."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The by‑laws have been amended repeatedly since 2010, altering which stages apply in particular Areas (for example by‑laws 7–8 set seasonal stage differences for Areas 3 and 4) and deleting or replacing provisions (several clauses and parts marked as deleted). The compilation notes record amendments in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2017 and 2022, and identify a set of 2016 amendments as of no effect. These changes adjust the operational scope (timing, area assignments and exemptions) from the instrument as originally made."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple geographic Areas defined by coordinates and named local government districts (by‑law 3 and Schedule 1), requiring mapping to determine applicability.","Seven graduated stages of restrictions (Schedule 2) with differing rules for reticulation, handheld hoses, synthetic and grass sporting grounds, pool filling and vehicle washing.","Detailed, digit‑based watering schedules (Schedule 3 Divisions 1–3) linking permitted days to the last digit of street/lot numbers, creating property‑specific obligations.","Numerous narrowly framed exemptions (Part 3, by‑laws 10–17) for licensed water use, installation/repair, commercial turf operators, market gardens, caravan sites, aviaries and firefighting.","Enforcement and discretion: offence provision requires CEO written approval to use water contrary to the applicable stage and prescribes a fixed penalty of $500 (by‑law 4).","Cross‑references to other statutes (Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914 s.5C) and multiple formal amendments over time increase interpretive complexity (compilation table and Other notes).","Operative seasonal variations for some Areas (e.g. Area 3 and Area 4 have different stages from 1 June to 31 August — by‑laws 7–8), adding temporal rules to spatial ones."],"plain_english_summary":"These by‑laws set binding rules for domestic bore water use across four mapped Areas of Western Australia by assigning a numbered restriction “stage” (1–7) and prescribing when and how lawns, gardens, sporting grounds and pools may be watered. Breaches require CEO written approval to avoid a $500 fine. \n\nThey affect residential property owners, turf/garden businesses, market gardeners, caravan parks and sporting grounds by limiting irrigation methods, days and times, and by creating specific exemptions and administrative compliance requirements."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":5,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The legislation has been significantly pruned from its original scope. The compilation table and deleted provisions indicate the by-laws originally contained Parts 3 and 4 (by-laws 18-31) dealing with 'Water use efficiency management plans' for non-residential properties and 'Restriction notices' — these were deleted in 2017. The current version is narrowly focused on domestic bore water restrictions and exemptions, whereas it previously attempted to regulate broader water efficiency planning for commercial properties. The 2017 amendments removed approximately half the original by-laws, shifting the regulatory approach."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple overlapping geographical zones (4 Areas) with different restriction levels that change seasonally","Seven distinct stages of restrictions with progressively complex rules about timing, methods, and frequency","Cross-referencing between Parts, Schedules, and Division tables (Schedule 3 watering days must be read with Schedule 2 clauses)","Numerous defined terms (15+ in by-law 3 alone) including technical distinctions like 'domestic bore' vs artesian wells","Multiple exemption clauses with their own conditions (e.g., 'minimum extent necessary', 'immediately after', occupational requirements)","Complex numbering system for watering days based on last digit of street/lot number across three different Division tables","Deleted provisions and amendment history visible in text creating structural clutter (e.g., '[(1) deleted]', '[Division 1 heading deleted]')","Interaction with external legislation (Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914, Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds Act 1995)"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this legislation does:**\n\nThese by-laws set the rules for when and how people in Western Australia can use water from domestic bores (private wells that tap into shallow groundwater). They create a system of **water restrictions** that get stricter depending on where you live and how scarce water is.\n\n**Who it affects:**\n\n- **Homeowners and renters** with private bores in their yards\n- **Businesses** in turf, gardening, and landscaping\n- **Sporting clubs** with grass or synthetic fields\n- **Caravan parks, market gardens, and plant nurseries**\n- **Local councils** managing public spaces\n\n**How it works:**\n\nThe state is divided into **four areas** with different rules:\n- **Area 1** (north of a line from Geraldton to the SA border): Light restrictions (Stage 1)\n- **Area 2** (south of that line, excluding metro and southwest): Light restrictions (Stage 1)  \n- **Area 3** (Perth metropolitan area): Tougher restrictions — Stage 6 in winter (June-August), Stage 4 the rest of the year\n- **Area 4** (Southwest region): Stage 6 in winter, Stage 1 otherwise\n\n**The seven stages of restrictions** (from Schedule 2):\n- **Stage 1**: Water anytime before 9am or after 6pm using reticulation (sprinklers), or use a handheld hose/watering can anytime\n- **Stage 2**: Same as Stage 1, but reticulation only on odd or even days matching your house number\n- **Stage 3**: Reticulation only on 3 assigned days per week (based on your house number)\n- **Stage 4**: Lawns/gardens get 2 days; sporting grounds get 3 days\n- **Stage 5**: Lawns/gardens get 1 day; sporting grounds get 3 days\n- **Stage 6**: No reticulation for lawns/gardens — handheld hose or watering can only; sporting grounds still get 3 days\n- **Stage 7**: Watering can only for everything; no filling pools; car washing banned except for safety\n\n**Key exemptions** (when you can break the rules):\n- **Fire fighting** and fire training\n- **Installing or repairing** reticulation systems (minimum water necessary)\n- **Commercial operators** watering immediately after vertimowing (scarifying) or fertilising\n- **Market gardens and nurseries** (minimum necessary to stay viable)\n- **Caravan parks** watering a site right after someone moves out\n- **Bird aviaries** (minimum necessary)\n- **Licensed water users** under the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act\n- **Bores on neighbouring properties**: If your bore is on a different property number, you can water on that property's assigned days instead\n\n**Why it matters:**\n\nWestern Australia has a drying climate and declining groundwater levels, especially around Perth. These rules aim to reduce unnecessary water use while keeping essential activities (food production, fire safety, sport) viable. Breaking the rules can cost you a **$500 fine**.\n\n**The bottom line:** If you have a bore in WA, you can't just water whenever you want. Check which area you're in, look up your stage, and water only on your assigned days and times — unless you fit one of the specific exemptions."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/water-agencies-water-use-by-laws-2010","history":"/api/acts/water-agencies-water-use-by-laws-2010/history","analysis":"/api/acts/water-agencies-water-use-by-laws-2010/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/water-agencies-water-use-by-laws-2010/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/water-agencies-water-use-by-laws-2010/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/water-agencies-water-use-by-laws-2010/documents"}}