The regional water supplier, Rous County Council is implementing Level 1 water restrictions to the area early in an attempt to reduce overall water consumption by 5%. 

Normally, the trigger point for introducing restrictions is when Rocky Creek Dam reaches 60% capacity, according to the Council’s Drought Management Plan. 

Now, water restrictions will kick in when the dam reaches 70%.

The dam is currently at 75.6% capacity and it is expected it will reach 70% by the end of November.

Water consumption has been more than 20% higher across the Rous supply area for October and November - more than the same period in 2018. 

Council may apply higher restrictions if the target of 5% reduction is usage is not achieved within a reasonable timeframe.

The decision was made at an extraordinary Council meeting yesterday and in conjunction with Lismore, Ballina, Byron and Richmond Valley Councils. 

Restrictions apply to Council’s direct customers and the local government areas it services with bulk water: Ballina (excluding Wardell), Byron (excluding Mullumbimby), Lismore (excluding Nimbin) and Richmond (excluding Casino and all land west of Coraki). 

Rous County Council chair Cr Keith Williams said the decision is a prudent one. 

“Applying Level 1 water restrictions before Rocky Creek Dam reaches 60% is a signal to the community that we need to make water conservation an everyday part of our lives,” he said.

“The decision has been based on falling dam levels, declining inflows into Rocky Creek Dam, a poor outlook for rainfall for summer, community sentiment that restrictions were required and water restrictions being in place for most of our neighbouring towns and council areas. 

“A rapid drop in water levels at Rocky Creek Dam combined with a drier than average outlook for the rest of spring are the primary reasons for restricting water use now. 

“It’s essential we reduce demand now to prolong our water supply. 

“If dam levels drop further or reductions in consumption are not met, we could be looking at higher level restrictions. 

“We urge people to reduce their water usage now to delay the introduction of tougher water restrictions. 

“Water carters will be unaffected by the restrictions. 

“It is vitally important that this service continues to provide drinking water to the many parts of our community that aren’t serviced by reticulated water. 

“Rous will continue to work with water carters and our constituent councils to improve access to water to reduce waiting times where possible.

Level 1 residential water saving measures include: 

• watering established gardens with hand-held hoses fitted with an on/off nozzle for one hour every second day, between 4pm and 9am on odd or even days matching house numbers 
• topping up swimming pools permitted between 4pm and 9am using hand-held hose fitted with an on/off nozzle 
• washing cars with hand-held hoses permitted between 4pm and 9am on odd or even days matching house numbers. 

Compliance with the water restrictions is reliant on the community acknowledging the need to reduce their water consumption and reducing the wasting of water, particularly on outside use. 

To find out more about water restrictions and dam levels on Council’s website. click here: https://rous.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/page.asp?p=DOC-OWX-54-47-20

To find out more about what the water restrictions are for residential urban and rural properties, public facilities, and business and commercial properties, click here: 

https://www.rous.nsw.gov.au/page.asp?f=RES-QKD-14-08-70