Currently in New South Wales (ANd I believe every other state) we are under some form of mandatory water restrictions and if you are caught doing certain things you can be fined:
List here
  • Hand-held hosing of lawns and gardens and drip irrigation is allowed only on Wednesdays and Sundays before 10 am and after 4 pm
  • Hosing of vehicles at residential premises is permitted only with a trigger nozzle or high-pressure water cleaning equipment (to a maximum of 10L/minute)
  • Hosing residential building structures including windows, walls and gutters is allowed using a hose with a trigger nozzle or high-pressure water cleaning equipment (to a maximum of 10L/minute)
  • No hosing of hard surfaces such as paths or driveways at any time
  • No other watering systems or sprinklers are to be used at any time
  • A permit from Sydney Water is required to fill new or renovated pools bigger than 10,000 litres
  • No hoses or taps to be left running unattended, except when filling pools or containers