Car Washing Allowed In Act

[MattB]

A bit of good news from ACTEW...

Friday 7 November 2003

STAGE 3 WATER RESULTS ENCOURAGING:

EXEMPTION GRANTED FOR CAR WASHING

Encouraged by the community's response to date under Stage 3 water restrictions, ACTEW is reviewing the water restrictions currently in place for motor vehicle washing.

The ACT has been on Stage 3 water restrictions for just over a month and has consistently used less than the October seasonally adjusted target average daily consumption of 127 megalitres, so it has been agreed that from midday today motor vehicles will be able to be washed using a bucket.

Acting Treasurer Bill Wood said that community co-operation with Stage 3 restrictions has been good, with the average daily consumption for October being 108.8 megalitres.

"Recent rain and cooler weather helped keep consumption down and, although the rain was slightly below average in October, it was well distributed and regular," Mr Wood said.

"Residents and businesses deserve praise for their efforts so far however, with the warmer weather approaching, we need to ensure that we keep up the good work by not exceeding daily water consumption targets.

"After analysing the Stage 3 water restriction data, the ACT Government and ACTEW have decided to bring motor vehicle washing water restrictions into line with Sydney and Melbourne, so that motor vehicles may now be washed and rinsed with a bucket.

"Under Stage 3 conditions, a general exemption has been granted for washing of motor vehicles, effective from midday today. Conditions include:

* vehicles must be washed and rinsed with a bucket (or watering can) filled from tap and not a hose;

* vehicles must not be washed more than once a week;

* hoses are not permitted for washing or rinsing;

* where possible motor vehicles should be washed on lawns to avoid run-off.

"Those under the Motor Trades Association agreement remain subject to those agreements.

"The rain has boosted Cotter catchment dam levels but has not provided much relief to Googong Dam, which is at 36.5% capacity. There is also still a possibility that heavy rain in the Cotter catchment could force sole reliance on Googong," Mr Wood said.

[Falchoon]

  MattB said:

* vehicles must be washed and rinsed with a bucket (or watering can) filled from tap and not a hose;

* vehicles must not be washed more than once a week;

* hoses are not permitted for washing or rinsing;

They forgot the bit about XR6T owners having special exemption to wash as often as they like with a hose...

I figure that seeing as how I don't water the lawn or garden I am entitled to a "credit" of water and don't feel guilty giving my car wash. What's the difference between hosing the ground to hosing the car? Nothing as far as I can see. B)

[MattB]

Actually, I reckon washing with a hose is more efficient. Me filling up my bucket and then tipping it over my car is going to use more water than my well-aimed trigger hosing.

[Falchoon]

Washing a Magna is a waste of water Matt

[MattB]

  Falchoon said:

Washing a Magna is a waste of water Matt

Mortally wounded, Ross!! :tears:

I call it practice for the XR...have you ever seen a shinier Magna? :D

I'd put forum stickers on it if it meant Associate entry to Team Venom (even though Mitsubshi call it "Cherry Red") :lol:

[aniken]

  MattB said:

Actually, I reckon washing with a hose is more efficient. Me filling up my bucket and then tipping it over my car is going to use more water than my well-aimed trigger hosing.

Many people do not have trigger hoses or similar devices. That is why there is blanket rule regarding use of buckets - to keep the rules the same for everyone.

Although, if you don't have a bucket

[MattB]

  aniken said:

  MattB said:

Actually, I reckon washing with a hose is more efficient. Me filling up my bucket and then tipping it over my car is going to use more water than my well-aimed trigger hosing.

Many people do not have trigger hoses or similar devices. That is why there is blanket rule regarding use of buckets - to keep the rules the same for everyone.

Although, if you don't have a bucket

Under Level 1 restrictions, you had to have a trigger hose. Woolies was perpetually sold out of them for a few days when that came in. Hence why I have mine.