Concern over Water Restrictions and Dry Conditions
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With the Bellinger River reaching a flow rate of 45ML/day, Bellingen Shire Council has invoked Level 1 Water Restrictions in line with its Water Extraction Licence. This is one month earlier than last year due to the Bellinger and Bielsdown Rivers reaching levels which cannot sustain current water usage.
These water flows are concerning given the NSW Rural Fire Service has announced that due to the very dry conditions being experienced and current fire activity, the Bush Fire Danger Period will also be brought forward to commence on Friday 17 August 2018, meaning that anyone wishing to light a fire in the open will require a fire permit.
Deputy General Manager of Operations Matt Fanning has joined Mayor Dominic King in urging residents to be vigilant with water usage and follow the advice of the RFS to prepare for the upcoming fire season by removing flammable materials from yards, clearing leaves from gutters and ensuring you and your family knows what to do and where they will go in the event that they are threatened by a bush fire.
Fire Permits can be obtained from your local Rural Fire Brigade or Fire Control Centre on 6651 6133 or follow the links from the Notices section of Council’s website at www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au.
To recap, Level 1 water restrictions for those residents receiving a town water supply are reproduced below:
Level Restrictions – Residential Outdoor Component Target reduction % Target Consumption (ML/d)* Trigger*1
Moderate
Micro-sprays and drippers/sub-surface can be used for a maximum of 15 minutes and hand held hoses can be used for 1 hour every second day, between the hours of 4.00pm and 9.00am on odd or even days matching house numbering system.
Other irrigation and unattended hoses banned.
0 - 10%
0.35
Bellinger 47ML/day Bielsdown 20ML/day
Consumption greater than 5.5ML/day for 5 days.
Conditions are being closely monitored and any changes will be relayed throughout our community as appropriate.
For further information and advice on how to save water inside and outside your home can be found on Council’s website at www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au under Water and Sewer.