Water restrictions are tightening across the New England as drought conditions persist, with Narrabri adjusting its Level 3 rules and Tenterfield introducing new limits on supply.
Narrabri Shire Council will implement a temporary watering times exemption from Friday, 1 May to 31 August 2026, allowing township residents to water gardens between 4.00pm and 9.00am instead of the current 7.00pm to 7.00am window.
The change comes as daylight saving ends and follows community concerns about watering in the dark, particularly among older residents.
Narrabri Shire Mayor Darrell Tiemens said the council had responded to concerns about watering times and reduced daylight hours.
“Understandably, our community, particularly older residents, are finding it difficult to water their gardens and lawns with daylight saving ending.
“We have heard the concerns of residents having to water in the dark and recognise that this is not ideal.
“This exemption will ensure residents have more daylight to keep up their outside watering, while also balancing our responsibility as a water utility.”
Tiemens said the exemption did not change the broader restrictions.
“We still need to make sure we use water wisely and follow the restrictions, even as we head into the cooler months,” he said.
“As per the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Narrabri is currently classified as Drought Affected. So responsible water use by everyone remains essential.”
General Manager Eloise Chaplain said the exemption followed close monitoring of water supply and demand.
“While the hot weather has eased and we are seeing a drop in water demand on our system, we still need to remain vigilant.
“We continue to rely heavily on the Elizabeth Street bore to supply our water, despite the supplementation of water to the bore from the Tibbereena Street bore,” Chaplain said.
“Council will continue to monitor water use, with the view to review any exemptions and restrictions in August, leading into spring and the warmer months.”
Chaplain said progress was being made on water security projects.
“A licence application to modify Narrabri’s Town Water Access Licence to include the Saleyards bore has been submitted and is under assessment by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
“When the modification is approved, Council will move to construct the headworks infrastructure on the bore head and connect it to the Namoi Reservoirs.”
She said the portable water treatment plant project was also progressing.
“Tender preparation is now in progress for the project, with the expectation Council will go out for tender in the coming fortnight,” Chaplain said.
“We will provide a more detailed timeline for the project upon successful selection of the tender.”
Full details on Level 3 Water Restrictions are available on the council website and social media channels.
Meanwhile, Level 1 water restrictions have been introduced for the Tenterfield Dam supply in response to high water use and falling dam levels. Proposed changes to restriction triggers will be placed on public exhibition for community feedback.
Don’t miss any of the important stories from around the region. Subscribe to our email list.