Level 2 Water Restrictions Introduced in the Bellingen Shire

Due to the low rainfall in the catchment areas and falling river levels Shire residents who receive a town water supply will be subject to Level 2 Water Restrictions as from Monday 26th August 2019.

Level 2 water restrictions are triggered when the flow in the Bellinger River reaches 31 ML/day, and/or when flows in the Bielsdown River reach 20 ML/day.   Currently the flow in the Bellinger River is 28 ML/Day, with the Bielsdown River at 51 ML/day. In both cases the flows are falling.

A summary of Level 2 water restrictions are:

Sprinklers and soaker hoses are banned except for newly laid turf, in which case one (1) sprinkler is allowed to be used in the specified hours. Hours of hand watering will be 30 minutes every second day between the hours of 4.00pm and 9.00am on alternate days, odd and even numbered days matching house numbers. Micro-sprays and drippers/sub-surface can be used for a maximum of 15 minutes No washing of houses or driveways. Topping up of pools in specified hours only Vehicles must be washed with a trigger hose or pressure cleaner on a grassed area.

A Water Restrictions Table outlining what is permitted in all levels of water restriction can be found on Council’s website at www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au by following the hyperlink under Notices on the home page.

In previous years when restriction have been implemented water usage has increased. Council will be performing patrols to try and minimise this effect and hopes that everyone acts responsibly and follows the restriction rules above. Should the flows in the Bellinger drop below 23 ML/day Level 3 restrictions will need to be imposed.

Further information contact Council’s Support Officer, Operations, Julie Spokes on 6655 7300.