WATER storage levels in the dams that serve Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast remain relatively healthy, negating the need for water restrictions – for now.
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Hunter Water reports that the four dams that serve its area – including Lake Macquarie – are at a combined 79.3 per cent of capacity.
Stage 1 water restrictions would come into effect when water levels fell to 60 per cent of capacity.
Stage 1 restrictions ban the use of sprinklers and limit the hours of use for hand-held hoses,
On the Central Coast, total dam storage levels are at 59.8 per cent of capacity.
The main reservoir for the Coast, Mangrove Creek Dam, is at 61.6 per cent of capacity.
Stage 1 water restrictions on the Coast would likely be triggered if water levels in Mangrove Creek Dam fell to 42 per cent of capacity.
Hunter Water and Central Coast Council are urging all residents and businesses to use water wisely in the wake of the state-wide drought impacting NSW.
Council water and sewer senior manager, Bileen Nel, said that although total water storage levels for the Central Coast were in a relatively healthy position, council was closely monitoring water levels.
“Our total water storage levels are currently at 59.8 per cent [of capacity],” Ms Nel said.
“The infrastructure we have built over several years and the strategies we have implemented mean that our total water storage levels are currently in a good position.
“This being said, the prolonged dry weather has had an impact on our total water storage levels. If the current dry conditions continue it may be necessary to introduce water restrictions in the future.
“In the meantime, we want our community to continue to use water when they need to, but to remember to use it efficiently.”
While restrictions aren’t currently being enforced, Water Wise rules are in play across the area. These state:
- watering with a sprinkler, irrigation system or a trigger nozzle hose are permitted on any day before 10am or after 4pm;
- hand-held hoses must have a trigger nozzle;
- vehicles should be washed with a bucket, trigger nozzle or pressure cleaner; and
- hosing of paths and driveways is not allowed.
Ms Nel said it was easy to forget the simple ways people could reduce their water usage – such as turning the tap off when brushing your teeth, taking shorter showers, or using a trigger nozzle on your hose.
Water restrictions were last introduced on the Central Coast in 2002 when total water storage levels dropped to about 43 per cent of capacity.
Visit hunterwater.com.au and wyong.nsw.gov.au.
