Glen Innes residents and businesses are being urged to continue reducing water use as Level 2 restrictions remain in place and dry conditions persist across the region.
Glen Innes Severn Council is closely monitoring water levels at Beardy Weir, the town’s main water source, after inspections earlier this year confirmed levels had reached the trigger point for Level 2 restrictions.
General Manager Bernard Smith said the community had already made progress, with water use beginning to decline, but further savings were needed.
“Under Level 2 restrictions, typical national water use targets are between 200 and 225 litres per person per day,” he said.
“Glen Innes is currently averaging around 225 to 250 litres per person per day, which shows the community has already made meaningful reductions. Council thanks residents and businesses for that effort, but further savings are still needed to meet Level 2 targets and help protect the town’s water supply.”
Smith said ongoing dry weather meant the situation remained under close watch.
“If rainfall does not improve in the coming weeks, Council may need to consider moving to Level 3 water restrictions, which would reduce the target further to around 180 to 200 litres per person per day,” he said.
“By continuing to use water wisely now, the community can help slow the need for tighter restrictions later.”
Level 2 restrictions place limits on how and when water can be used, particularly outdoors.
Households are limited to watering gardens with hand-held hoses or drippers for up to two hours a day, outside the hours of 10am to 4pm. Sprinklers and irrigation systems are not permitted for domestic use.
Cleaning of paved outdoor areas, walls and roofs must be done using a bucket, unless required by law, and a permit is needed to fill swimming pools over 2,000 litres.
Separate rules apply to public gardens, sporting facilities, commercial operators and primary producers.
There are no Level 2 restrictions on washing motor vehicles, household water cartage, automatic flush toilets, ready-mixed concrete or industrial uses.
Residents and businesses can check what is permitted under Level 2 restrictions on the council’s website or official channels. For more information, visit www.gisc.nsw.gov.au or contact council on (02) 6730 2300.
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