While historic floods inundate the centre of the country, much of our premium farming country in western New England remains dry – but things are improving a little, with Narrabri township easing water restrictions from 7pm tonight, 6 March.
Narrabri Shire Council says that they have reached Drought Management Plan trigger to drop from Level 4 water restrictions to Level 3.
Narrabri Shire Mayor Darrell Tiemens emphasised that Level 3 restrictions still require care and restraint.
“This is not a return to unrestricted water use,” he said.
“Level 3 restrictions allow more flexibility, but we still need everyone to use water wisely and follow the rules. If consumption increases significantly again, we may need to reconsider.”
Council’s General Manager, Eloise Chaplain, said the decision reflects careful daily monitoring of supply and demand.
“We review system performance every day,” Ms Chaplain said.
“Recent trends show that water use has remained at a sustainable level, allowing us to ease restrictions while continuing to protect the town’s supply.”
The town’s water supply was found to contain an unacceptable level of PFOS – also called forever chemicals – when new standards were brought in last year. Killarney bore remains switched off with testing continuing to show the bore above current guidelines. Results from 17 February saw the bore PFOS at 10ng/L; just above the guideline maximum of of 8ng/L.
However, Council reiterates that the Narrabri Town Water Supply remains safe to drink. The Tibbereena Street bore continues to supplement water supplied from the Elizabeth Street bore. The latest testing of the Elizabeth Street bore showed no detection of PFAS, while the Tibbereena Street bore and the Namoi Reservoir have levels below the current guidelines.
Ms Chaplain said good progress was being made on the medium- and long-term water security projects.
“Flow testing at the new Saleyard Bore has been completed with very positive results.
“We are now awaiting water quality testing results, and if those results all meet the required standards, we can then start installing the necessary infrastructure to connect the new bore to the Namoi Reservoir.”
Meanwhile, Council has been assessing the EOIs received for the supply of the Portable Water Treatment Plant. Once assessments are complete, Council will go to tender for the supply of the plant, with works commencing by July 2026.
Residents are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Level 3 rules ahead of the change taking effect at 7pm Friday. Exemptions previously approved for Level 3 water restrictions must be reapplied for. Residents can do this via Council’s website.
Council will continue to monitor conditions closely and will adjust restriction levels if required.
What do Level 3 Water Restrictions mean?
RESIDENTIAL
- Garden/Lawn watering: Watering only between 7pm and 7am, sprinklers allowed.
- Cleaning (footpaths, driveways, buildings, etc): Between 7pm and 7am only.
- Swimming pools: Filling new pools requires Council approval; topping up existing pools is permitted.
- Vehicle washing: Bucket washing only.
COMMERCIAL
- Lawns and Gardens (inc. racecourse, bowling greens and golf course): Watering only between 7pm and 7am.
- Schools and Health Care Services: Watering gardens/lawns only between 7pm and 7am.
- Cleaning (footpaths, driveways, buildings, etc): Between 7pm and 7am only.
- Washing of new or used cars for sale: Between 7pm and 7am only.
EMERGENCY SERVICES
Exempt from restrictions.
COUNCIL FACILITIES
- Public Parks and Gardens: Fixed hoses and sprinklers only allowed to be used 6hrs/day.
- Public Sports Grounds and Playing Fields: Auto sprinklers 1hr/per line daily.
- Splash Park: Reduced operating hours (School holidays, public holidays and weekends – 12pm to 6pm, Weekdays during school term – 3pm to 6pm)
For full details on Level 3 water restrictions, visit Council’s website or follow Narrabri Shire Council on social media.
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