SYDNEY: Australia is in the grip of a severe drought that has crippled farmers and left entire towns without water, but the effects are now spreading to major population centres such as Sydney.

This week, Sydney's five million residents were subjected to level 2 water restrictions for the first time since 2003. The restrictions, which began on Tuesday, include a ban on hosing gardens and restrictions on filling swimming pools. In addition, cars can only be washed with a bucket and gardens must be watered before 10am or after 4pm. Individuals who breach the rules face fines of A$220.