The state government has issued early water restrictions for the Greater Sydney region for the first time in a decade.

Water restrictions are automatically triggered across the Greater Sydney region when dam levels drop below 50 per cent.

But the state government has issued level one water restrictions from June 1, even though dam levels are currently at 53 per cent.

Level one restrictions include the enforcement of Water Wise rules such as using sprinklers and fixed hoses for two hours a day, and hand-held hoses only between the hours of four and nine in the evening.

NSW Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey tells Ben Fordham they have activated the restrictions a month early.

“There has been a much better appreciation across Sydney… about conserving water.

“It is going to rain again.”

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