Melbourne households will be able to water gardens at any time and wash cars at home for the first time in four years when water restrictions are eased to Stage 2 from 1 September 2010.

Premier John Brumby announced today that for the first time since 2006, Melburnians will be able to:

• Use a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, watering can or bucket to water gardens at any time;
• Wash cars at home with either a bucket or a high pressure, water saving hose;
• Water gardens with a manual watering system between 6-8am and 8-10pm on alternate days; (If you are aged over 70 you can water between 8-10am in the morning);
• Water gardens with an automatic watering system between midnight and 4am on alternate days; and
• Fill spas and smaller pools, such as children’s inflatable play pools;

Mr Brumby said easing Melbourne's water restrictions was in addition to extra water being provided to sportsgounds and rivers including the Yarra and Thomson.

For more information about water restrictions, visit www.ourwater.vic.gov.au