Worsening drought conditions combined with predictions of below average spring/summer rainfall for our region means we need water restrictions put in place now, says Councillor Val Scott
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Cr Scott has given notice of her intention to move the following motion at the next Council meeting on Monday night: “That Singleton Council introduce Level 3 water restrictions for the urban area as soon as possible, due to the drought conditions our area is experiencing.”
She said Singleton Council should set an example to everyone – take a lead and get our community on a water saving regime now.
“We need to act now not wait until it’s too late. Wasting water is just not on given the severity of the drought and the rainfall outlook,” she said.
“I am hoping Councillors support the motion as it won’t take long to use the stored water in Glennies Creek dam if we don’t act immediately.”
Council’s report on the motion does not support the introduction of Level 3 water restrictions based on the fact that there is currently sufficient cent high security water allocation available in Glennies Creek Dam.
Report author Mark Ihlein Director Planning & Infrastructure Services Group, recommends Council promote water saving within the community through the Water Saving Rules, adopted as part of the Water Supply Service Policy in March 2018.
This promotion will be via Council’s website, Facebook, variable message boards and information flyers with water bills as well as by newspaper and radio advertising if required.
Stated in the report Council’s Drought Management and Emergency Response Plan (2010) details that Level 3 (High) Water Restrictions are to be adopted when there is a 40% reduction in High Security Water allocations.
Council holds a local water utility (high security) licence and currently has 100% allocation of its high security entitlement from Glennies Creek Dam. Although Council receives the majority of its water supply from Glennies Creek Dam, the Dam is currently at 68.1% and the level is steady.
The dam level, availability of water allocations and forecast storage levels is announced by WaterNSW weekly and monitored by Council Officers. Councillors will be provided with a regular update in this regard. While the current approach to Drought Management does not reference dam levels, the
From the Drought Management and Emergency Response Plan, water restrictions apply to residential and non-residential water users, regardless of location. Level 3 (High) Water Restrictions require both advertisement and enforcement within the community to be effective.
They would also require water-intensive businesses to prepare, and have approved by Council, a Water Saving Action Plan. It is best practice to phase drought driven water restrictions in gradually, wherever possible, to provide both residential and non-residential water users a period of adjustment.
Cr Scott says with predictions of no decent rain until autumn 2019 it would be far better to act now and preserve as much water in the dam as possible.
“Whats wrong with only using a hand held hose to water your garden – lets all become water savers,” she suggested.