With the town's water supply Glennies Creek continuing to be impacted by drought Singleton Council voted on Monday night to impose Level One water restrictions.
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At June 7 the dam was listed at 53.6 per cent capacity and although Council still maintains 100 per cent of its allocation moving now will conserve the supply.
The water restrictions will take effect from Wednesday June 26, with penalties to apply from September 1, to allow a period of amnesty for residents to take heed of how they can use water under the restrictions following a report to Council's ordinary meeting.
The report said drought conditions continued to impact Glennies Creek Dam as the main source of water for the Singleton local government area, and water restrictions aimed to prolong the availability of water supply until conditions changed.
Cr John Martin, who chaired last night's meeting in the absence of Mayor of Singleton, Cr Sue Moore, said he was concerned about the availability of water into the future.
"I've had a lot of experience one way or another with dam storage levels and it is very concerning to me to see the level at 53 per cent and falling," he said.
"Considering Singleton is currently experiencing one of the toughest droughts on record, we all need to be doing our bit to conserve what is an important resource.
"We know Singleton residents care about water with the latest billing information showing residential usage has reduced. However, we also know there has been a significant increase in usage in 2017/18 compared with 2015/2016 as a result of the drought conditions.
"Council is hopeful the mandatory restrictions will encourage people to think about how they use water and where they can take actions to reduce their usage.
"This isn't designed to be a big stick measure, however penalties will apply from 1 September to customers found to be misusing water."
The draft Water Restrictions Enforcement Policy will also be on public exhibition from 26 June 2019.
For residential properties, level 1 (low) restrictions mean:
Watering of lawns by watering systems, microsprays, drip systems, soaker hoses, non-fixed sprinklers and hand-held hoses may only occur between 6am to 10am and 4pm to 10pm daily in winter
Watering of residential gardens by watering systems, microsprays, drip systems, soaker hoses, non-fixed sprinklers and hand-held hoses may only occur between 6am to 10am and 4pm to 10pm daily in winter
Topping up or filling of garden water features is permitted
Irrigation of new turf is permitted for one week after laying, which after level 1 restriction of watering lawns applies
Washing down of walls or paved surfaces is not permitted
Council has also adopted permanent water saving rules under its Water Supply Services Policy, which are applicable to all residents and businesses connected to Council's water supply.
The water saving rules are available on council's website at www.singleton.nsw.gov.au