Water restrictions in Australia are not a new concept, with regions (some more than others) experiencing them on a more regular basis. Water restrictions vary by state, council area, and duration, which depends on local conditions such as rainfall, dam levels, and drought periods.
In this blog specifically, we will explore The Western Downs regions and the Toowoomba restrictions and why they’re needed, and how residents can adapt. For reference, you can check out water restriction information for your state/region on the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology website, or you can check for information through your local council or state government website.
Since Friday October 10th 2025, regions in Toowoomba & Western Downs have been placed on mostly lower level, or normal restrictions, with only a handful of some regions (such as Cambooya and Kaimkillenbun) being placed under higher level restrictions. As of current, there is no specific timeframe of when these restrictions will ease off. It is also important to note your region may be subjected to change levels, so it is best to be prepared.
The following locations for Toowoomba, which you can also view here, are as stated;
- Brookstead – Low Level (200 litres/person/day)
- Cabarlah – Low Level (200 litres/person/day)
- Cambooya – High Level (150 litres/person/day)
- Cecil Plains – Low Level (200 litres/person/day)
- Clifton – Low Level (200 litres/person/day)
- Crows Nest – Low Level (200 litres/person/day)
- Goombungee – Low Level (200 litres/person/day)
- Gowrie Junction – Low Level (200 litres/person/day)
- Greenmount – Medium Level (175 litres/person/day)
- Haden – Medium Level (175 litres/person/day)
- Hampton – Low Level (200 litres/person/day)
- Highfields – Low Level (200 litres/person/day)
- Hodgson Vale (includes Top Camp) – Low Level (200 litres/person/day)
- Jondaryan – Low Level (200 litres/person/day)
- Kingsthorpe – Low Level (200 litres/person/day)
- Kulpi – Low Level (200 litres/person/day)
- Meringandan – Low Level (200 litres/person/day)
- Millmerran – Low Level (200 litres/person/day)
- Nobby – Low Level (200 litres/person/day)
- Oakey – Low Level (200 litres/person/day)
- Pittsworth – Low Level (200 litres/person/day)
- Southbrook – Low Level (200 litres/person/day)
- Toowoomba City – Low Level (200 litres/person/day)
- Vale View – High Level (150 litres/person/day)
- Westbrook – Low Level (200 litres/person/day)
- Wyreema – Low Level (200 litres/person/day)
- Yarraman – Low Level (200 litres/person/day)
You can always refer back to the Toowoomba Region website and find out your regions allowed watering times, and activities.
Most of the Western Downs regions are currently under normal water restrictions, however as mentioned previous, regions may be subjected to changes at any time.
Normal restrictions – All watering devices allowed between Midnight – 9am and 4pm – Midnight
Conservation – Hand held hoses and permitted drip systems allowed between 6am – 9am and 4pm – 7pm
Emergency – Bucket use allowed anytime
Regions currently under Normal restrictions:
- Brigalow
- Chinchilla
- Condamine
- Dalby
- Dulacca
- Flinton
- Glenmorgan
- Jandowae
- Jimbour
- Kogan
- Meandarra
- Miles
- Moonie
- The Gums
- Wandoan
- Warra
- Westmar
Regions currently under Conservation restrictions
Regions under Emergency restrictions
If you haven’t already, you can download the public notice announcement pdf here and factsheets for each restriction: Normal, Conservation, Emergency
These water restrictions much like anywhere else in Australia, are implemented for a variety of reasons. This can be due to;
- Low rainfall and drought conditions
- Increased usage
- Protecting long-term water security
- Delays in water system infrastructure or supply
- Environmental protection
- Transport and/or water storage delays
- Limited access to alternative water sources
With restrictions being placed and no specific end date, it’s a good idea to think about your future water plan, and be prepared for the months ahead especially with Summer looming around the corner.
Using a rainwater tank is one of the main ways you can help save on water, while also reducing your water bill costs & protecting local ecosystems. This also means you’ll be reducing the pressure and reliance on local water infrastructure systems. Being able to monitor water levels during restrictions and dry conditions is also crucial in water management, so to help where we can, Bushmans are currently running a promotion where you can add on a Tank Smart Agbot Monitor for $49 with any tank purchase 15,000L and over during October 2025. (t&cs apply)
If you’re interested or have any further questions about rainwater tanks, you can call us on 1800 008 888, or you can fill out our contact form here. You can also check out our entire range of poly rainwater tanks here.
While our tanks are safe and certified, Bushmans always recommends using a filter if intending to consume water from the tank.