Such a ban is usually enacted during droughts, to preserve water for essential uses such as drinking and flushing toilets, as well as for firefighting.
Abuse of restrictions usually brings a warning at first, then a fine, and can lead to limiting or cutting off the water to the home or business.
Using greywater or stored runoff from a roof gutter downspout is also an alternative for trees and shrubs, but not for large expanses of grass, which would be difficult to cover.
[citation needed] Water restrictions are in place in many regions and cities of Australia in response to chronic shortages resulting from drought.
Depending upon the location, these can include restrictions on watering lawns, using sprinkler systems, washing vehicles, hosing in paved areas and refilling swimming pools, among others.
The provider sometimes states that their customers are not allowed to use a sprinkler or unattended hosepipe for a few days (or longer), but commonly, a total ban is enacted.