We need to use water very carefully outdoors when washing cars, boats and other vehicles, and for cleaning outdoor areas.

Under level 5 Restrictions, you can only wash your car's mirrors, lights, glass surfaces and number plates with town water. You can also spot clean to remove marks which
could damage paint - with water from a bucket filled directly from the tap.

You can also use town water to flush an inboard or outboard motor or the brakes on a vehicle. Alternatively, vehicles can be taken to a car wash (fixed permanent commercial location) or the services of a mobile car cleaner (commercial operator) can be employed.

Tips for cleaning your car:

• Use water from a rainwater tank.
• Use a mobile commerical operator or take your car to a commercial car wash – these operators must comply with best practice guidelines in water use.
• Use captured ‘warm-up’ water from indoors to wash your vehicle.
  

Tips for outdoor cleaning and for cleaning windows:

• Use a broom, brush or rake to sweep and clean outdoor paths and paving areas.
• Use captured ‘warm up water’ or tank water to clean windows. Vinegar and water (saved after indoor use) or window cleaning products can be used to clean windows.
• General cleaning of items such as wheelie bins and barbeques can be done with a hand held bucket filled directly from a tap or high pressure cleaning unit to prevent or address a health or safety risk.
• External house and paved areas external surfaces of a house and paved areas may be cleaned using a bucket filled directly from a tap or a high pressure water cleaning unit for the purpose of:
  • preparation for painting
  • once in any 12 month period for pre-sale activities
  • to comply with a tenancy agreement or lease at its expiry or termination
  • once in any 12 month period to maintain the external surfaces of a building
  • once in any 36 month period to maintain the external roof surface of a building
  • washing part of the roof area for repainting orrepairing the roof.