Level three water restrictions to be implemented for Bathurst region

MEDIA RELEASE 14 November 2018

Water restrictions to conserve the water available in Chifley Dam now and into the future will come into effect on Monday, 26 November.

Mayor Graeme Hanger OAM said Council has been engaging our community to promote water wise habits around the home and workplace since 2007.

“I am impressed that so many members of our community have embraced these small changes to our daily tasks and habits,” he said.

“By implementing a lower level of restrictions now, it is hoped that there will not be a need to go to higher restrictions, but this is entirely dependent on rainfall in the coming months. Council staff will be monitoring weather and water consumption on a regular basis to ensure the most appropriate measures remain in place”.

Council staff are currently working with key stakeholders including irrigators, businesses and departments within Council to investigate water conservation options and actions. The implementation of water restrictions will have an impact on all residents, businesses and visitors to our region.

Staff have also recently met with Chifley Dam irrigators to discuss the summer irrigation season and the move to water restrictions. As a result, Council and the irrigators are currently developing a water saving plan to manage the 2018-19 production season. This plan with help reduce the releases of water required by irrigators along the Campbells and Macquarie Rivers into Bathurst and assist in conserving water stored in Chifley Dam for as long as possible.

Level three water restrictions will apply to all homes and all businesses within the Bathurst Local Government Area that are connected to the Council water supply network and will mean:

· Lawns - odds and evens* 6am-9am or 6pm-9pm maximum 30 minutes/day

· Gardens - odds and evens 6am-9am or 6pm-9pm maximum 30 minutes/day

· Home car washing - bucket & trigger nozzle on lawn 6am-9am or 6pm-9pm

· Swimming pools - top up 6am-9am or 6pm-9pm with pool covers/first fill with Council permission

· Garden features and temporary child pools - top up and filling permitted

· Washing hard surfaces - not permitted

· Indoor activities - Water wise actions required

There are a variety of actions that everyone can take to conserve water. For more information visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/waterwise

* Odd numbered properties are permitted to water on odd numbered dates. Even numbered properties are permitted to water on even numbered dates. No watering permitted on the 31st of any month.

For more news visit yoursay.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/newscentre

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer