Restrictions eased, but water conservation remains a top priority

16 April 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council will reintroduce Level P Permanent water conservation measures after Councillors voted yesterday to ease the current Level 1 restrictions from May 1.

The recommendation to ease restrictions was made after recent rainfall contributed to an approximate 50% improvement in bore production capacity and follows a significant reduction in water demand.

Level P Permanent water conservation will apply across the Shire to all properties connected to town water supplies in Gunnedah, Curlewis, Mullaley and Tambar Springs. These restrictions include:

Fixed hoses and sprinklers restricted for residential garden and lawns except between 6-8am and 6-10pm during Daylight Saving Time and 6-8am and 5-9pm during Eastern Standard Time, Washing down of hard/paved surfaces and vehicles to be conducted with high pressure hoses only, and Pool covers to be used to reduce evaporation.

Council’s manager of water services Kevin Sheridan congratulated residents on their adherence to the Level 1 water restrictions, and said that a return to Permanent conservation measures will allow for a little more flexibility on when and how people tend to their lawn and gardens.

Mr Sheridan also said that although restrictions will soon be eased, water conservation should remain front of mind for all Gunnedah Shire residents.

“While we are fortunate to have a good supply of quality bore water, it is important to remember our region continues to experience the impacts of the drought. Saving water has multiple environmental and cost saving benefits,” Mr Sheridan said.

“It’s time to focus on forging lasting water saving practices to future proof our water needs.”

There are a number of ways households can make permanent reductions in water usage. Council’s top tips include:

A running tap can use up to 10 litres of water per minute. Turn off the tap in between actions when brushing teeth, shaving and rinsing dishes, Swap to a water efficient showerhead and taps, Wait until you have a full load before running the dishwasher or washing machine, Plant for the climate and soil in your area, and Digital water meters installed by Council last year allow households to monitor usage between receiving water accounts. You can visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au for further information on reading your meter, or phone Council on (02) 6740 2100 for assistance detecting potential leaks and for a more detailed breakdown of your water usage.

Gunnedah Shire Council will continue to monitor water usage across the Shire and review water conservation levels regularly.

Level P Permanent water conservation measures come into effect on May 1. For further information regarding water conservation and restrictions visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au 

ENDS Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.