One of the world’s most thriving and financially stable cities is currently experiencing some of the harshest water restrictions than it has in an entire decade.

Faced with a severe drought and bushfires that are deadlier than the country has ever seen, Australian residents are doing their best to save water. This week, New South Wales instated level two water restrictions, as they are facing a 99.9% drought this summer season. This is predicted to turn into level three within just a few months.

Currently, temperatures are also leaning more towards 40 degrees-Celsius, contributing to worsening fires that have already led to six fatalities.

Restrictions and rules have also been implemented in other parts of Australia, particularly Sydney, the Blue Mountains, and Illawarra. These areas are now not allowed to water gardens during the period of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

They are now also only allowed to water their gardens with a watering can or bucket and aren’t allowed to make use of sprinklers and hoses. Additionally, residents can only wash their cars at a professional car wash using a bucket and are not allowed to fill their swimming pools without a permit. These rules apply to all residents in these areas and if broken, will be issued fines that start at A$220. Should businesses break these rules they could also be fined up to A$550.

What Happens When These Areas Reach Level Three Restrictions?

Once level three water restrictions are implemented, residents will only be allowed to water gardens before 09:00 AM or after 6:00 PM. They will also be banned from taking showers that exceed five minutes. These rules will be implemented once Sydney’s dam levels reach 30%, which is considered critically low. The same strict restrictions were implemented in Cape Town, South Africa in 2018 when the city was facing a similar drought.

For now, bushfires and intense droughts remain. Rural towns are currently without tap water and are forced to rely on bottled water supplies, as well as trucked-in cartons.

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