Rous County Council is asking Lismore and the Northern Rivers community to use less water now and help delay the need for water restrictions.  

The forecast for a drier-than-average spring combined with higher temperatures is expected to put more pressure on the region’s water sources. Water levels at Rous's primary water source, Rocky Creek Dam, have steadily dropped due to low inflows and people using more water. The dam is currently at 86 per cent capacity. 

Under Rous' Drought Management Plan water restrictions are due to begin when Rocky Creek Dam hits 60%. However, water restrictions may be introduced early in response to continued low inflows and a dry seasonal outlook, according to Rous’s General Manager, Phillip Rudd.  

“As a community it’s important we make every effort to conserve water now. While many in the Northern Rivers will be grateful for the spell of dry weather, without rain we will enter water restrictions. If the prolonged dry period continues and people do not reduce their use, we are likely to face restrictions before Christmas,” Mr. Rudd said. 

“During long periods of dry weather, the demand on our water supply increases. People use water to wash their properties, cars and to water their gardens. We’re asking the community to think twice, especially before using water outdoors. Water is a limited natural resource, and we are all responsible for its efficient use,” Mr. Rudd said. 

During dry weather, Rous also experiences an increase in demand for water from water carters who are contracted by residents to replenish rainwater tanks.  

Permanent conservation measures include: 

• Water outdoors in the early morning or late afternoon, between 6.00am and 10.00am or between 3.00pm and 10.00pm.
• Use hand-held hoses that are fitted with an on/off trigger nozzle.
• Clean vehicles and boats on your lawn using a hose fitted with an on/off nozzle; and
• Don’t use water to clean driveways, paths or paved areas, except for health and/or safety reasons or when using a high-pressure cleaner.

Indoors, replacing a shower with a water-efficient model is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to reduce water use. An inefficient shower can use between 15L and 25L of water every minute, whereas an efficient WELS 5 star rated one uses as little as 4.5L every minute. 

Rous is actively working to ensure the Northern Rivers has a secure and resilient water supply that will meet the community’s needs through its Future Water Project 2060. Phillip Rudd said in addition to the St Helena Pipeline Project “we are taking immediate steps to secure water for the region now by developing new and enhanced groundwater schemes at Alstonville and Woodburn.

To meet the challenge of a growing population and an increasingly variable climate, we are taking an ‘all options on the table’ approach to long-term planning. This involves also investigating a range of potential water supply options including new groundwater sources, purified recycled water for drinking, desalination and surface water”.