Water Restrictions from May 15 2006

Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Councillor Greg Watson announced level 1 water restrictions would be in force across the City from Monday, 15 May 2006.

Level 1 Water Restrictions means that residents must not:
• use sprinklers and unattended hoses
• use water on paved areas and hard surfaces
Residents can use the following:
• one hand held hose per property may be used at any time
• Drip irrigation systems may only be used if fixed to a single tap per property and fixed with a timer only in lieu of a hand held hose.
• All vehicles and boats can be washed on grassed areas with one hand held hose.
These water restrictions are in line with Council’s Drought Management Plan and are triggered by the first release of water from Danjera Dam’s backup storage.

Currently Shoalhaven City dam levels are:
• Danjera Dam – 7,390 megalitres (96 per cent capacity full)
• Bamarang Dam – 2, 360 megalitres (64%)
• Porters Creek Dam – 1,355 megalitres (72%)

With the total dam capacity for the Shoalhaven at 83 per cent.
Shoalhaven City residents and businesses have consumed about 38 megalitres of water each day since the start of May. The Shoalhaven River’s flow has dropped below 90 megalitres, which means that Shoalhaven Water has stopped pumping from the river and has started to draw water down from Bamarang Dam.

“The water restrictions will be reviewed over the coming weeks as Danjera Dam is being drawn down,” Clr Watson said. “If significant rainfall is not received and water consumption is not reduced, Council will be required to impose a higher level of water restriction.

“While the Shoalhaven is one of the last Councils in the area to impose water restrictions, we have the benefit of extracting water from the reliable Shoalhaven River to large off-stream storages, but because of the extended dry weather, even this mighty river is suffering.”

Council Watson also urged Shoalhaven residents to take immediate action to reduce water consumption in and around the home.

For more information on the restrictions, standard variations to the restrictions, and tips on how to save water by contacting Shoalhaven Water’s Information Hotline 1300 66 22 46 or visit Shoalhaven Water’s internet site

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