Water restriction

EWON has three member water suppliers. Water is usually not disconnected because of the impact on public health. However, water can be restricted to allow only a very limited flow to the property.

At this stage only two water companies in NSW, Hunter Water and Sydney Water, have customer contracts that regulate restriction practices. The following guidelines apply to customers of these two water suppliers.

Grounds for restriction

Hunter Water and Sydney Water can restrict when a customer:

• fails to pay any amount due.
• has non-compliant plumbing work.
• breaches a relevant law.
• discharges unauthorised trade waste water.
• discharges chemicals that pose a health risk.
• fails to install a backflow prevention device when required.
• uses recycled water improperly.
• does not comply with the terms of the customer contract.

Notification of restriction

Unlike electricity and gas, water suppliers are not required to follow a legislated notification schedule. Customers will generally be notified in writing before their water is disconnected or restricted.

If the customer's address is different from the property address, a notice should also be given to the occupiers to alert them to possible restriction or disconnection action.