Water restrictions get tighter in the Central Highlands

It’s the news we are dreading to hear and share, but water levels in Emerald, Blackwater and Rolleston have dropped further triggering level two water restrictions.

Central Highlands Regional Council Mayor Kerry Hayes said that with no significant rainfall in the region water supply levels in the towns have dropped triggering the next level restriction on use.

‘It’s the news we have been expecting for some time, but we still didn’t want to hear,’ Mayor Hayes said.

‘The Fairbairn Dam level has dropped below twelve percent and the Rolleston tank has dropped below 30 percent so we have reached level two restrictions and, unfortunately, that means lawns in private residences must not be watered at any time.

‘Yes, it’s a serious situation we’re in, but at this stage it’s concern, not alarm. However, at level two stage and with the rainfall forecast looking glum, council will be introducing water restriction enforcement following a short settling in period.

‘In saying that, every single one of us is in this together and the message is water conservation from now on.

‘With a bit of luck, we’ll have some passing storms to keep the lawns going. They are resilient and spring back to life quite easily.’

Mayor Hayes said it is a different story for graziers who are feeling the lack of significant rain in the region.

‘There is no denying the fact that the region’s drought declaration status needs to be assessed,’ he said.

‘And this is where we realise it’s not only about water restrictions in our townships; our primary producers have had their own restrictions and have had no choice but to conserve water for some time.

‘There are now more than 80 individually drought-declared properties in the region and council has sent written correspondence to the local drought committee requesting a timely meeting to assess the drought status,’ he said.

The level two water restrictions include the following conditions:

Lawn areas must not be watered at any time by any means. For garden beds and shrubbery: Sprinklers must not be used at any time. Hand-held hoses, watering cans or buckets can be used at any time. Micro-spray and drip systems fitted with timers may only be used between 7.00 pm and 8.00 am on certain days (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays for odd-numbered houses. Wednesday, Fridays and Sundays for even-numbered houses).

Further restrictions are in place related to fountains, pools, cleaning and commercial activities.

For more information visit our water restrictions page or phone 1300 242 686.

Note: These restrictions apply to treated town water and do not extend to grey water or tank water.