Sydney Water Restrictions Introduced As NSW Dam Levels Drop Due To Drought

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 30: The Cataract Dam, the oldest dam in Sydney's water supply system and currently sitting at just 29% of capacity, on May 30, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. The NSW Government has decided to enforce water restrictions from 1 June to help slow a rapid decline in Sydney's reservoirs and dams amidst ongoing drought. Dam levels in Sydney are currently at 53.6 per cent, only slightly above the formal trigger for level-one water restrictions of 50 per cent. As Sydney is experiencing some of its lowest inflows into its dams since the 1940s, the state government decided to introduce the restrictions earlier than usual. Sydney residents will be banned from using sprinklers and hoses on their lawns and gardens between 10am and 4pm. Hoses must also be fitted with a trigger nozzle that has an instant off switch. Fines for breaches will be $220 for individuals and $550 for companies - with a three-month grace period to allow people to adjust. (Photo by Brook Mitchell/Getty Images)