Update February 18 2020: Following recent downpours, the NSW Government and Sydney Water have announced that Sydney's water restrictions will be wound back to Level 1 on Sunday, March 1. Click here for information on how you can maintain a green lawn during Level 1 water restrictions.

The below information is valid until 29 February 2020 only.

Is there anything better in summer than a green lawn? Kids playing outside, friends coming around for long lunches and cocktails... it's all made better when you have a green lawn to look at. And there's no reason you can't still have one, even with today's announcement that Level 2 Sydney Water Restrictions will be introduced on Tuesday, December 10.

In particular, there is a lot of uncertainty around the laying of turf during this time - so we're breaking it down for you! Here's a list of the dos and don'ts under Level 2 Water Restrictions when it comes to new turf. For more general advice on caring for your garden through these Level 2 restrictions, click here.

 

WATERING NEW TURF DURING LEVEL 2 WATER RESTRICTIONS

Watering Methods... Approved Watering Plan for New Turf...
You can water new turf using:

  • A hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle for up to four weeks from the delivery date, following the watering plan (see right). This applies to areas of any size.
  • Sprinklers and watering systems for up to four weeks from the delivery date, following the watering plan (see right). This only applies if you have a continuous area of new turf larger than 30m2.

Please keep the delivery docket showing the delivery date in case one of Sydney Water's Community Water Officers asks for 'proof of purchase'

 

You can't...

  • Use a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, sprinkler or soaker hose after the four-week watering plan, unless you have an exemption permit.
  • Water the area around new turf or allow water to run-off onto hard surfaces.
  • Week 1:  Water up to three times a day, for a maximum of 30 minutes each session, at any time of day.
  • Week 2 & 3: Water up to two times a day, for a maximum of 15 minutes each session. You can only water before 10 am and after 4 pm.
  • Week 4: Water before 10 am and after 4 pm, for a maximum of 30 minutes, on no more than three days during that week.

After week 4, you can only water your turf following the water restrictions. This means you can water before 10 am and after 4 pm with a bucket or watering can, or with a smart irrigation or drip irrigation system for a maximum of 15 minutes.

Turf NSW recommends watering established turf no more than once a week.

Information from Sydney Water. Last updated 21/11/19.

 

 

WHAT IF MY TURF HASN'T ESTABLISHED AFTER FOUR WEEKS?

In some cases, your lawn might take longer than four weeks to establish - and Sydney Water have provisions for this. The below is their advice in case you need a little longer:

If you can still pull the turf layer away from the ground after four weeks, the roots aren't established yet and you may need to apply for an exemption to continue watering outside the restrictions. Please email exemptions@sydneywater.com.au with your name, contact details, the address where you’re establishing the turf, size of the turfed area and reason why you need to keep watering. 

 

After your exemption period is up, regardless of its length, you must revert to watering your lawn the same way you water the rest of your garden - in compliance with Stage 2 Sydney water restrictions, as follows:

 

WATERING LAWNS AND GARDENS DURING LEVEL 2 WATER RESTRICTIONS

You can... You can't...
Water lawns and gardens before 10am or after 4pm using...

  • A watering can or bucket (you can water this way for any amount of time as long as it's early in the morning or late in the afternoon).
  • Drip irrigation systems for a maximum of 15 minutes a day per watering zone.
  • A smart watering system for a maximum of 15 minutes a day per watering zone, provided that it has one or more of the following features:
    • Automated weather adjustment.
    • Rain sensor.
    • Soil moisture sensor.
  • Water your garden or lawn at all between 10am and 4pm.
  • Use a standard sprinkler, soaker hose, weeping hose, mist sprayer, tap timer or watering system at any time.
  • Allow water to run off on to hard surfaces, such as paths or roadways.
  • Leave hoses and taps running unattended.
  • Put sprinklers on for children to play under.

Information from Sydney Water. Last updated 5/12/19.

 

RECYCLED WATER

Remember, the above water restrictions relate to drinking water - water that comes from Sydney's dams and catchment areas to your home. At Flower Power, we're strong advocates of recycling water, and one way to get involved at home is by installing a rainwater tank. When you collect rainwater, you can use it however you like. If you're keen to learn more about rainwater tank installation, please click here and consider having one professionally installed through Flower Power!