Thousands of people have been dobbed-in for illegal water use across Greater Sydney since tougher restrictions came into effect in December, but only a handful of fines have been issued.

Sydney Water has investigated more than 3300 reports of people breaking the rules after tip offs to its call centre and website.

Michael Mobbs is an organiser of the Chippendale footpath garden. He uses grey water to keep the fruit trees alive along with many other water saving ways. Credit:Steven Siewert

“To date we have issued six fines where we have had clear observed breaches of water restrictions,” Sydney Water Executive Drought Lead Catherine Port said. “Typically it’s hoses or sprinklers."

Ms Port said the level two water restrictions have been largely accepted by the community amid one of the worst droughts on record, but all reports of breaches are taken seriously and investigated. Residents caught breaking the restrictions face $220 fines while businesses who don't have an exemption can be fined $550.