With drier than usual conditions forecast for the rest of this month, Moree Plains Shire Council will be increasing water restrictions for Boggabilla, Mungindi and Weemelah.
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Level four water restrictions will be in place in these villages from Monday, November 11.
Council's acting general manager Mitchell Johnson said water levels and consumption has been closely monitored across all towns within the shire, which, with the likelihood of limited rainfall for the remainder of the year, has led to the decision to impose level four restrictions in Boggabilla, Mungindi and Weemelah.
"Council have been monitoring water consumption for some time. Residents across the shire and in particular the communities of Boggabilla, Mungindi and Weemelah, have noticeably acted with diligence when it comes to water usage and these efforts are to be commended," he said.
"An update from the NSW Drought Task Group has informed council that November is showing strong chances of being much drier than usual and that rainfall is likely to be below average for the remainder of 2019 and early 2020.
"This has necessitated the introduction of increased water restrictions for these communities. Council is currently exploring options to secure additional water sources for these communities and we hope to provide an update on this front shortly."
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For household water users, level four restrictions means:
- Hand held hoses are only to be used when watering lawns and gardens. Watering may only take place between 6am and 8am and 6pm and 8pm during summer. Buckets and recycled water may be used at any time;
- Paved and concrete surfaces are not to be washed down;
- Covered pools may only be topped up using hand held hoses during the hours allowed for general watering noted above;
- Car washing can only occur at commercial car washes that recycle water;
- Only water from a bucket can be used while undertaking home extensions or landscaping;
- Water can only be carted for domestic purposes;
- Washing of clothes is only permitted with full loads, adhering to the odds and even system;
- Households with odd street numbers are permitted to use their washing machine on odd dates;
- Households with even street numbers are permitted to use their washing machine on even dates.
- Residents are encouraged to have short showers (between 3-5 minutes);
- Pets are only to be washed using water from a bucket;
- Residents are encouraged to reduce usage of evaporative air coolers;
- All fountains are to be turned off and not to be topped up except for safety reasons.
For commercial and industrial water users, the following restrictions will apply:
- Irrigation (efficient user) consumption should be reduced by 50 per cent;
- Irrigation (non-efficient user) consumption should be reduced by 50 per cent;
- All fountains are to be turned off and not to be topped up except for safety reasons;
- Public swimming pools are to be operated with maximum efficiency;
- Water can only be carted for domestic purposes;
- Businesses must make greater endeavours to minimise water usage;
- Car washing can only occur at commercial car washes that recycle water;
- Only commercial car washes that recycle water will be allowed to operate;
- Washing of commercial buildings and windows is banned.
Residents and local businesses are required to follow all additional water restrictions.
Further details of these water restrictions can be found on council's website www.mpsc.nsw.gov.au within its Water Supply Schemes Drought Management Plan.
Mr Johnson emphasised that being water wise is something that all residents should be mindful of.
"We have experienced the driest 33 months on record and, with no heavy rainfall predicted in the near future, we are relying on all residents to be vigilant in respect of their water consumption," he said.
"At this point, every effort to conserve water across the shire counts; the simple stuff really matters. Do not leave taps running while you brush your teeth or wash the dishes and ensure you are encouraging your children to be water wise."
Residents throughout the Moree Plains Shire are urged to promptly report any leakages to council's customer service centre on (02) 6757 3222, even if it is after hours.
Council will continue to monitor water levels across all towns closely and take further action if necessary to ensure water supply is preserved.