Rapidly falling water levels in Sydney’s dams have prompted the state government to bring in water restrictions earlier than expected

Sydney is facing stage one water restrictions for the first time in a decade as dam levels drop faster than expected.

From Saturday, all hoses must have trigger nozzles, watering lawns and gardens will be restricted to early morning and late afternoon, and there will be tough fines for those who flout the restrictions.

The NSW government announced the restrictions, which apply to everyone in Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Illawarra region, on Tuesday and said they were necessary because of the drought gripping the state.

Melinda Pavey, the state minister for water, said Sydney was experiencing some of the lowest inflows into its dams since the 1940s.

“It’s vital we take early and decisive action. The Bureau of Meteorology’s latest forecast is predicting below-average rainfall and higher temperatures for June to August, which are key drivers of stronger water demand. Water restrictions are an important drought response because they target the outdoor water use of all households.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Beachgoers at Tamarama. A warm and dry autumn – on top of a hot summer – has resulted in dam inflows at their lowest level since the 1940s. Photograph: David Gray/Reuters

“Regional NSW has been experiencing a record drought. Water restrictions in Sydney mean that households across NSW are doing their bit to conserve water.”

Sydney dam levels are at 53.5% across all 11 dams, with Warragamba dam at 54.8% and Woronora dam at 44.3%. Levels have fallen dramatically since April 2017 when they were at 96% combined capacity. At the same time last year, levels were at 73.4%. Regional areas are also at alarmingly low levels of 28% total capacity.

NSW has been in drought since mid 2017, with dam levels have been falling at an average of 0.04% per week over the past two years. Restrictions are usually triggered once dam levels fall below 50% but this round has been activated because levels are falling so rapidly.

In April, a survey commissioned by Sydney Water found that more than 60% of Sydney residents were unaware of the current drought. Sydneysiders use about 11bn litres of water a week.

Sydney’s desalination plant at Kurnell was switched on January, when dam levels dropped below 60%. When it was restarted, chief executive officer Keith Davies predicted the plant would be producing water “within three or four months”.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest The Sydney desalination plant in Kurnell, which has been turned back on in response to the drought. Photograph: Sydney Desalination Plant

The plant is running ahead of schedule and has been supplying Sydney Water with drinking water for about 10 weeks, producing about 750ML to 850 ML of water a week. It is expected to reach full capacity by August 2019 , when it will produce 250 ML per day of water or around 15% of Sydney’s drinking water requirements

The restrictions will be in place from Saturday. That means lawns and gardens can only be watered with a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle before 10 am and after 4 pm. Sprinklers and watering systems is not permitted, although drip irrigation systems or automated watering systems with adjustable controls can be used.

Paths, driveways and other hard surfaces can only be spot cleaned in an emergency or for health and safety reasons, while vehicles, trailers, boats or buildings can only be washed using a bucket, high pressure cleaning equipment or a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle. Permits will be needed to fill a new or renovated pool greater than 10,000 litres. Those using recycled water, grey water, rainwater and bore water are among those exempt from the restrictions.

Those found to have broken water restrictions face fines of up to $220 for individuals and $550 for companies.