It’s no holiday without water

It’s no holiday without water

Published on 20 December 2019

With a drier than normal Christmas and New Year period expected and water restrictions in place across the Byron Shire, residents and the local tourism industry are being urged to save water to avoid tighter restrictions in the New Year.

Byron Shire Council’s Director Infrastructure Services, Phil Holloway,said residents are encouraged to modify their behaviour with water use at home to ensure future water demand can be met, especially over the hot summer months when visitation to this area peaks.

Simple changes at home, such as taking a shorter shower, fixing tap leaks, or using the half flush, are easy ways to save water. With extra guests in the home over the holiday period, residential water use can increase substantially.

“Additionally, we’re asking commercial tourist accommodation operators, real estate agencies and private owners of short term holiday rentals to educate their guests about responsible water use and complying with water restrictions”, Mr Holloway said.

In 2018/19, more than two million visitors came to the Byron Shire with half staying at least one night.

“Byron has more than double the visitation numbers of other shires with an equivalent population, so it’s sensible to educate these visitors about the need for water conservation, as they too, contribute to our local water demand”, Mr Holloway said.

“Part of living in a sustainable community and being a responsible local ambassador is educating visitors to the region on sustainable travel.

“Helping to conserve our local water source is one way to help,” he said.

Although the Byron Shire typically enjoys a higher than average rainfall, the main water supply at Rocky Creek Dam is currently at 66% and level 1 water restrictions for people connected to the Rous County Council water supply have been in place since November.

At Mullumbimby, which receives its water supply from the Lavertys Gap Weir, level 3 restrictions are in place.

On average Northern Rivers residents use 194 litres of water per person per day. The regional target is 160 litres per person per day.

“With 99% of the State in drought, water security is a major concern for all local councils”, Mr Holloway said. 

6 water saving travel tips for tourist accommodation operators:

Place water conservation messages in guest accommodation or include a message in your introductory or booking email. Encourage guests to shower instead of using the bath. Encourage the half flush option on toilets. Encourage guests to reuse towels and offer an opt-out option for daily linen changes. Develop procedures for housekeeping and contracted cleaners. For example, how many times to flush the toilet when cleaning, time restrict running taps and using a mop rather than a hose when cleaning floors. Inform guests how your hotel, hostel or accommodation reduces water consumption in other areas, such as the garden or housekeeping, to influence their behaviour.

More information:

Water restriction levels, drought management and water saving tips: Rous County Council, the regional water supply authority, www.rous.nsw.gov.au or https://www.byron.nsw.gov.au/Services/Water-sewer/Water/Water-restrictions

For media information contact Annie Lewis, Media and Communications Coordinator on 02 6626 7103.