Armidale Regional Council (ARC) is urging residents and businesses to reduce water use as dam levels continue to fall and climate outlooks point to warmer conditions, limited rainfall and increased pressure on local supplies in the months ahead.
While water remains available, council warns that ongoing dry conditions, high evaporation and elevated demand are driving a continued drawdown of storages and increasing the likelihood of tighter restrictions.
The Bureau of Meteorology says the recent La Niña pattern is weakening and is expected to end during autumn, reducing the rainfall influence seen in recent seasons. Seasonal outlooks show no strong signal for above-average rainfall across inland and tablelands areas, including Armidale, while temperatures are likely to be above average.
Climate modelling also indicates an increased risk of El Niño developing later in winter, a pattern historically associated with hotter, drier conditions and heightened pressure on water supplies.
Council says that as storage levels fall, recovery can take months or even years, particularly without sustained rainfall. Acting early to reduce water use is the most effective way to slow the rate of drawdown and reduce the likelihood of tougher restrictions later.
“Early action by the community would play a decisive role in protecting the region’s water supply,” said ARC Mayor Sam Coupland.
“Our dam levels are falling, dry conditions are looming, and we are edging closer to Level 2 water restrictions. The actions our community takes right now will determine whether tougher restrictions can be avoided. Saving water today is critical to protecting Armidale’s supply in the months ahead,”
Council continues to monitor dam levels, inflows, climate indicators and water consumption across the region. Actions taken now will directly influence how water security is managed in the months ahead.
As part of its response, council will deliver a community education program reflecting on the 2019 drought, using the region’s shared experience as a reminder of how quickly water security can change. The program will focus on sustainable water use, encouraging households, businesses, schools and visitors to build waterwise habits early. By acting now, the community can help protect long-term water security and avoid the challenges associated with a “Day Zero” scenario experienced in 2019.
For current dam levels, restriction details and water-saving tips, visit: www.armidale.nsw.gov.au.
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