Data model

Areas

An area is a geographical location — such as a town, city, or region — where water restrictions can apply. Each area is associated with a scheme defining the available restriction stages, and will have an active stage assignment if restrictions are currently in effect. Areas may also be linked to an organisation.

Schemes

A scheme is a defined set of restriction stages that can be applied to one or more areas. Multiple areas can share the same scheme while each being at a different stage based on local conditions.

Stages

Stages represent restriction levels within a scheme, typically increasing in severity (e.g. Level 1, Level 2). Each stage has a severity value used for ordering and comparison. As conditions worsen, an area may move to a higher stage, or vice versa. Stage descriptions are returned in Markdown format.

Organisations

An organisation is the body responsible for managing water restrictions across one or more areas — typically a local council or water entity.

Stage assignments

A stage assignment represents a past or current restriction level for an area. Each assignment records the stage, when it came into effect (effectiveFrom), and when it ended (effectiveUntil — null if still active). Together, the assignments for an area form its restriction history.

Scheduled changes

A scheduled change represents a future restriction change for an area. It includes the target stage and the date it takes effect. Scheduled changes go through an approval workflow — they can be pending, approved, rejected, or cancelled. Only approved changes that haven't yet taken effect represent confirmed upcoming restrictions.

AI detection

Entries can be created automatically by monitoring official sources and analysing content with AI. The createdBy field indicates the source — "AI" for automated detection, "Human" for manual entry. See how it works for more detail.