Council working with the community on water restrictions times

Toowoomba Regional Council has today moved to modify guidelines for medium level water restrictions for residential users after listening to community concerns.

TRC Chair of Water and Waste, Cr Nancy Sommerfield said that from today, Council has changed the hours of water use for residential users on medium restrictions from ‘4.00pm to 4.30pm’ to now being between ‘5.30pm and 6.30pm’.

“Council also decided to increase the number of days that outside usage is allowed from two to three days.

“This will mean that residents will have a full hour of water use for three days a week instead of two.

“These changes are a balance between sustaining regional water supplies while being practical for water users.

“The changes to medium level water restrictions are effective immediately.

“Residents will have a two week grace period so that people are informed and after that Council will enforce these changes with fines issued for non-compliance.

“These amendments to water restrictions are a practical measure to help people continue to care for their gardens and allow more options for those that work until 5.00pm each day.

“Despite these dry conditions green space is important for the wellbeing of the community.

“Water is an extremely valuable commodity and we are asking all residents to work with us through these challenging times, not just those on medium-level water restrictions.

 “Medium level water restrictions have been in force since September for Hodgson Vale, Vale View, Cambooya, Clifton, Greenmount, Pittsworth (including Brookstead and Southbrook), Cecil Plains and Yarraman. 

 “The drought conditions are causing significant stress on water supplies and Council bores are under pressure in a number of regional communities.

“We still need the community’s help to reduce water consumption as the drought conditions continue to impact us all. 

“As a region, our aim is to limit our water consumption to 200 litres/person/day.  The more water we can save the better.

“Toowoomba Region residents have demonstrated their ability to use water responsibly.

“As in the past, we are asking residents to work with us through these water restrictions until our aquifers are replenished by rain.

“With the Millennium drought in our recent memory, we ask the community to use water responsibly.”

The resolution also called on ‘the General Manager, Water and Waste Services to review and change the Toowoomba Regional Council Service Provider Water Restriction – suite of restrictions (Permanent Conservation Measures, Medium Level, High Level, and Extreme Level) with regard to Residential and Non-Residential Premises water restrictions and inform Council of any changes made.’

For more information about water restrictions please go to www.tr.qld.gov.au/waterrestrictions