Standpipe usage change welcomed

Lachlan Shire Mayor John Medcalf OAM and General Manager Greg Tory have welcomed Parkes Shire Council’s resolution to introduce a new standpipe usage scheme in order to maintain sustainable water supplies in its Shire.

The initiative is good news for Lachlan Shire as it improves reliability of water supply to Albert, Tottenham and rural customers in between.

Lachlan Shire Council has been carting water to these towns since late December and this will need to continue while the current weather conditions and water consumption patterns prevail.

Mayor Medcalf said, “The cost of water carting is a significant increase to Council’s budget and Council is working closely with the state government to access water carting subsidies help to fund this critical activity.”

The changes to Parkes Shire’s standpipe scheme are due to the continued drought and corresponding water demand which has impacted current reservoir levels.

Parkes Council advised that “from Tuesday 4 February 2020, standpipe water will be without charge for up to 25kL per week to approved farming enterprises. Any additional approved farming enterprises usage over 25kL /week will be charged at a reduced rate of $3.50 per kilolitre and the water must be collected from Parkes and not from standpipes along the B-section pipeline.

“Under the new scheme, all standpipe users must reapply for standpipe access. Existing standpipe cards that have not been reauthorised will be deactivated. New users can apply for standpipe access through Parkes Council, subject to eligibility, which will incur a $20 card activation fee.”

A spokesperson for Parkes Council said that a new process for acquiring free water through water carters has also been introduced to ensure transparency.

Residents and ratepayers of Lachlan Shire are assured that raw water charges continue to be waived until 30 June 2020 for the raw water standpipes at the Condobolin SRA Ground and Lake Cargelligo SES Shed. Fees and charges apply for water supplied at other raw and potable standpipes around Lachlan Shire.

For more information or to apply for standpipe access/reauthorise your existing standpipe card, visit: https://www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/environment/water/standpipes/

You can also contact the Parkes Council water rating team by calling 02 6861 2333 and pressing 3.

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