For the first time in eight years, water restrictions will come into effect in the Narrabri Shire, with the Narrabri town water supply moving to Level 2 restrictions from midnight tonight, Friday, 2 October.
The town has been relying solely on the Elizabeth Street bore in recent months after PFAS levels in the Killarney Street and Tibbereena Street bores exceeded updated Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. As temperatures rise, so too has demand, placing significant strain on the supply.
The Elizabeth Street bore has a pumping capacity of 60 litres per second. Over a 24-hour period, it is topping up the Namoi Street Reservoir by an average of 7 per cent. Current consumption, however, is depleting the reservoir by an average of 11 per cent each day, meaning levels are dropping by around 4 per cent daily.
Mayor Darrell Tiemens said the community’s cooperation is needed, but the NSW Government’s support is essential. With government-enforced changes to guidelines being the cause of this situation, the time has come for the State Government to provide direct assistance.
“Water is everything to this community. Our children are playing in splash pads, our families rely on this water every day, and our schools, businesses, and aged care facilities cannot function without it,” Mayor Tiemens said.
“We have been actively advocating for a long-term solution for some time and would have liked to see this problem resolved before reaching this point, but we are still waiting.
“Narrabri needs a treatment system in place within days, not months, to safeguard our supply!”
An emergency grant of $50,000 from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) will allow Council to install a larger pump at the Elizabeth Street bore. While this will help narrow the gap between supply and demand, consumption is expected to increase further as the weather warms.
Narrabri Shire Council will also be tightening its own water use.
General Manager Eloise Chaplain said Council was committed to leading by example.
“We are going beyond the Level 2 restrictions and have significantly reduced the watering of parks and public spaces,” Ms Chaplain said.
“Our focus is on keeping essential areas safe and functional while cutting back wherever we can. We encourage residents and businesses to join us by making simple changes.
“Shorter showers, running full washing loads, switching off unnecessary outdoor watering, and checking for leaks are all great places to start. Every drop saved today helps prolong our supply for tomorrow.”
Ms Chaplain stressed that while Level 2 restrictions are framed as recommendations, Council strongly encourages the community to follow them.
“If we can all work together now, we have a much better chance of delaying stricter restrictions later in summer. Every drop counts, and every person matters.”
What Level 2 Restrictions Mean
From midnight, the following rules will apply in Narrabri:
- Emergency services: Exempt from restrictions.
- Garden watering and cleaning (footpaths, driveways, buildings, etc.): Recommended only between 7pm and 7am.
- Swimming pools: Filling new pools requires Council approval; topping up existing pools is permitted.
- Vehicle washing: Allowed at any time, but must be done using a handheld hose or pressure washer.
- Commercial premises: Must follow the same recommendations as residents.
Council will continue to update the community as the situation develops. More information can be found at: www.narrabri.nsw.gov.au/waterrestrictions.
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