Campaign to make Sydneysiders water wise

Sydneysiders are being urged to remain vigilant about water usage despite the lifting of tough restrictions in June.

Sydney, Illawarra and Blue Mountains residents can now use sprinklers and wash their cars with a hand-held hose again as dam levels continue to rise.

New Water Wise rules allow people to use hand-held hoses, sprinklers and watering systems on any day before 10am and after 4pm.

The only exception is that children may play under a sprinkler to cool down at any time on hot days.

Under the new rules, hand-held hoses must be fitted with a trigger nozzle when watering or washing vehicles.

Water Minister Phil Costa on Sunday launched a campaign, including a series of print and television ads, to educate residents about the new rules.

"The new Water Wise Rules end five years of tough drought restrictions, but we still need to be responsible and not waste water," Mr Costa said.

"These sensible, common sense rules set in concrete the responsible practices that are now common place across Greater Sydney.

"People responded well to the need to use water responsibly in the home and these few simple rules will continue to reinforce the need to exercise common sense with water use."

The rules came into effect on the June 22 and fines of $220 for individuals and $550 for businesses apply for any breaches.

Mr Costa said the rules were introduced after careful consideration of water storage levels, rain forecasts and additional water sources, such as recycling and desalination.

"Sydney's dam levels have continued to rise over the past year and our 20 recycling schemes across greater Sydney are recycling about 25 billion litres of water each year," he said.

"Our comprehensive plan for managing water includes dams, desalination, recycling and water efficiencies to secure the future of Sydney's water."

He said more than one in four households were using water-saving devices.

"Water efficiency measures like dual flush toilets and water efficient taps and showers will continue to minimise Sydney's water needs into the future," Mr Costa said.