Target 140 is focused mainly on encouraging people to save water indoors. In South East Queensland, outdoor water use is covered by Level 6 water restrictions. Key features:

• owners of new pools and spas must submit written proof it was filled with water sourced outside drought-affected SEQ council areas. The premise must also have water efficient appliances installed
• gardens can only be watered with buckets during the existing allocated times
• vehicles can be washed commercially or with a bucket only to spot clean mirrors, lights, glass and number plates and to remove potentially paint damaging marks

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Excessive water users

Tough penalties will apply for households using excessive amounts of water if they don’t reduce their consumption. This includes an outdoor watering ban, fines up to $1050 and restricted flows. Households with a legitimate reason for high water use will be exempt. Read more

Check for leaks

One dripping tap can waste 2 000 litres of water every month so check for leaks. To check for leaks, turn off your water meter for a few hours and then turn on an read the meter for a second time. It will be obvious that you have a leak if the water reading has increased. You can fix dripping taps by changing washers, but you will need to call a plumber to fix a more serious leak.