Water security trial about to launch in Amamoor

“For towns in our region that are on permanent water restrictions, there may be a better way to ensure water security,” said Gympie Regional Council’s manager of Water Business, Stephen Jewell.

Council, in conjunction with the University of the Sunshine Coast, have launched a 12-month study in Amamoor, replacing level three water restrictions with a weekly, 5 kilolitre allocation per household.

The trial aims to test the viability of a water allocation program as opposed to imposed water restrictions, empower residents to managing their own water allocation, and provide an opportunity for council to measure water usage in areas that rely on non-secure water sources, like Amamoor.

“The reality is, there are a number of constraints with water restrictions, from both an operational and user perspective,” Mr Jewell said. “In my experience, water restrictions are not popular with residents because they dictate when and how a resident can use their water. “With this trial, we are trying to empower the community to make their own decisions on their water usage.

“If this trial is successful, the allocation arrangements can be made permanent and extended to other towns on level three water restrictions around the region.” he said.

Council will be collecting data on water usage from Amamoor residents over the next 12 months. Residents who want to be more heavily involved in the trial and who want to explicitly assist USC with its research are invited to host a smart water console in their homes to track daily water usage, participate in an interview when the trial starts in earnest later this month and when it finishes in 2020, and keep a water use diary for two weeks at the beginning and end of the trial period.

A further public information session will be held in Amamoor tomorrow, Wednesday, 21 August 2019 at the Amamoor Hall, Busby Street Amamoor, commencing at 5.30pm.