With the occasional downpour not contributing much to local water stores, Glen Innes Seven Council has moved to slightly curb local consumption by implementing level 1 water restrictions, coming into effect yesterday, October 22.
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Under level 1 restrictions residents are permitted to use sprinklers for garden watering between the hours of 6pm and 8pm only, and the filling of private swimming pools is prohibited. Minor topping up of pools is allowed.
Council’s integrated water and sustainability services manager Keith Appleby said that the restrictions are due to a continued lack of rainfall in the catchment area.
“Over the past few months we have received only slight inflow into the Beardy Weir, and flow has now ceased,” Mr Appleby said.
This has spurred the activation of council’s Drought Management Plan as the water level in the Beardy Weir dropped to 50mm below full supply level.
Mr Appleby said works have started on the upgrade of the water supply, and these works will provide additional benefit with improved supply from bores, combined with additional storage.
Council’s general manager Hein Basson said that most locals were very understanding of the need to implement water restrictions.
“Council is very aware of the need for water security, and will continue to develop components of the drought management system, such as the off-stream storage under the recently announced grant funding.” he said.