The Glen Innes Severn council last night unanimously approved plans to dredge the weir. The water source is nearly exhausted, which will force council to switch pumping from their off-stream water storage the Eerindii ponds. But it also means there is an opportunity to remove topsoil from what would normally be the bottom of a river. With several feet of silt and gunk removed the lake will be a more effective store of water.

Council officer Keith Appleby said he had received first verbal and now written advice from a government department that dredging is legal.

Councilor Parsons asked what the topsoil would be used for. Mr Appleby, who is the Director of Infrastructure Services, said they would make a decision later.

Earlier this week Mr Appleby defended the council's decision to pump water from the weir before the Eerindii ponds because they have a higher evaporation rate.

The water level is currently at 1150mm below top water level, and the weir is around 40% full.

There is no restrictions on water consumption at the moment, because the town has two years' supply in reserve. That means the shire continues to sell water for use in concrete in the Tenterfield shire at the Bolivia hill project. This will continue until level 3 restrictions are imposed on the shire.

Mr Appleby said council could start dredging the river in as little as a fortnight.

During an earlier drought, Councilor Parsons said, the council had made a decision to dredge - only to be trumped by rain.

The council also resolved to add an acknowledgement of the effects of climate change to the town's drought management policy. According to the Department of Environment and Heritage the New England area will have less rain in winter, but more in autumn as the effects of climate change intensify. It will also increase the number of all fire days and intensive fire days.

The council also resolved to sell waste water from the sewer treatment plant for underground irrigation to a farmer who adjoins the facility on the New England highway.

The council business paper describes a "a glasshouse style facility that employs a significant number of people," which they it says "should be pursued vigorously".

The water is currently released into the Furracabad creek. Even though the water is often cleaner than town water, council has to pay a pollution levy. Selling the water solves both problems.

Councilor Parsons asked if sale of the water could expose the council to a legal liability. Mr Appleby assured him there is "no risk to council". He said any data gained through the trial would have to be given to council.