Armidale Regional Council (ARC) has declared Level 1 Water Restrictions in response to ongoing hot temperatures and minimal rainfall across the region.
Under normal conditions, the average recommended water consumption is around 200 litres per person per day. When Level 1 Water Restrictions are in place, this target reduces to 180 litres per person per day to help protect water supplies during dry periods.
Recent data shows water use in the Armidale region is significantly exceeding both benchmarks. These consumption figures are based on water use by both residents and businesses connected to the town water supply. Between 1 November 2025 and 9 February 2026, daily water use exceeded the Level 1 target every day. The highest consumption was recorded on 1 February 2026, reaching 588.8 litres per person per day, which is 227.1 per cent above the ideal Level 1 usage limit.
Mayor Sam Coupland said the figures highlight the need for immediate action.
“Hot, dry conditions and low rainfall are increasing pressure on our water storages, and current water use is well above sustainable levels,” Mayor Coupland said.
“Level 1 restrictions are about encouraging everyone to cut back now so we can protect our water supply and avoid tougher restrictions later.”
Under Level 1 water restrictions, rainwater and greywater can be used at any time, provided rainwater tanks are not topped up from the town water supply. Lawns and gardens may be watered using sprinklers, but only during approved watering times and for no more than two hours. During daylight saving time (now until Sunday 5 April 2026), watering is permitted between 6–8am or 6–8pm, and is not allowed during the heat of the day between 9am and 5pm. Outside daylight saving time (from Sunday 5 April 2026), watering is permitted between 5–7am or 5–7pm, with no watering during the heat of the day between 10am and 3pm.
Under Council’s Drought Management Plan, Level 1 water restrictions remain in place until total water storage returns to 95 percent. Once this level is reached, restrictions can be released, with the region returning to Permanent Water Conservation measures.
To help protect our water supply, residents and businesses are asked to avoid washing vehicles with a hose during heat of the day periods and to aim to keep water use to around 180 litres per person per day.
ARC is proactively monitoring dam levels and water use, communicating early with the community, and continuing to support watersaving initiatives such as rainwater tank rebates and landholder programs that improve water resilience.
Council urges all residents and businesses to save water wherever possible by reducing outdoor watering, fixing leaks, and being mindful of daily water use. For more information on how you can save water, visit this link https://www.armidale.nsw.gov.au/Services/Water/Water-saving-tips.
The news follows Uralla moving to level 2 water restrictions on the weekend, Gunnedah moving to level 1 in January, Narrabri is at level 4 water restrictions and most other areas have some level of permanent water restrictions to encourage conservation.
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