This was the message of the Whyalla Garden Society to home owners and gardeners who would be taking advantage of the easing of the watering bans.

Society president Briony Coulter said while the easing of the ban was welcomed, one should always be smart not to use too much water because at the end of the day, they would have to pay the bills.

She said deep watering, heavy mulching and protecting plants with shadecloths was the best way of using water efficiently.

Mrs Coulter said rather than sprinkling the plants several times a week, it would be better to do deep watering and shade the plants from extreme heat.

She said all necessary precautions should be taken to ensure that water is not wasted to avoid hefty bills and to keep the supply stable, so that the restrictions are kept relaxed for a long time.

New flexible watering times applied from midnight on November 16.

Dripper systems and hand-held hoses fitted with a trigger nozzle can be used for a maximum of five hours a week between the hours of 6am to 9am or 6pm to 9pm on any day.

Watering cans and buckets can be used on any day/time.

Sprinklers and other watering systems remain banned.

Currently watering times remain unchanged for people with a permit who are unable to adhere to restrictions due to age or disability.