Water Restrictions - Level 3

Mayors Message:-

Council on 19 March 2008 resolved to allow residents more flexibility in the way level three water restrictions are to be applied. The main change is that watering may be undertaken at any time between the hours of 6pm and 10am, but must not exceed a total of 8 hours per week.

Unfortunately, watering of lawns is still prohibited by Order of the NSW State Government.

Council is very concerned about the ongoing effect of water restrictions and is still committed to meet with Minister Rees on the issue of water restrictions. The outcome of this meeting will be reported to the community.

Thank you for your co-operation,

MARGARET THOMSON
Mayor

Watering Guidelines

The Wentworth Shire Council advises that the following water restrictions will be effective from 20 March 2008.

These water restrictions are consistent with the NSW Government, Level 3 restrictions, and the Temporary Water Restriction Order dated 25 October 2007.

The following water restrictions are the NSW Government, Level 3 restrictions.

Watering Criteria

A residential garden may be watered for a maximum of 8 hours per week
Watering may be undertaken at any time between the hours of 6pm and 10am, but must not exceed a total of 8 hours per week.
Watering can only be done by hand held hoses with trigger nozzles, automatic dripper or manual dripper systems.
The key criteria to be met are:-

Maximum of 8 hours per week
No irrigator nozzles or sprinklers
No watering of residential lawns.

The owner of any property watering a residential lawn or using a non-complying watering system will be advised in writing that further non-compliance will be addressed by the installation of a restrictor in the raw water supply to the property concerned (refer Council resolution 19 March 2008).

Lawns	Watering Strictly Prohibited.
Motor Vehicles	Hoses cannot be used for washing motor vehicles. Manual washing with a bucket filled from tap is allowable only for windows, mirrors, lights, licence plates, spot removing of corrosive substances.
Sports grounds	A Sports ground used for competitive sport may only be watered in accordance with an approved Water Conservation Plan.
Trees/Shrubs	Yes
Garden Beds	Yes

Other Watering

Swimming Pools & Spas	Existing residential/commercial pool or spa with a volume equal to or less than 2000 litres may be filled by means of a watering can or bucket. Capacity of 2000 litres or more must not be filled except in accordance with an approved Water Conservation Plan, prepared by occupier and approved by Council (NOTE: Existing residential or commercial pool or spa must not be topped up except by means of a watering can or bucket, filled directly from a tap (and not by means of a hose).
Paved Areas & Hard Surfaces	Water must not be used to clean a hard surface unless cleaning is required as a result of: an accident, fire, health hazard, safety hazard or other emergency and a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle is used.
Market Gardens & Orchards	Written permission by Council only.
Nurseries & Commercial Flower Growers	Written permission by Council only.
Other Businesses	Motels and other relevant businesses may water lawns. Contact Council for details.
Sports Greens (Bowling & Golf)	Prohibited unless specific exemption granted.
Fountains	Prohibited • A fountain or water feature must not be operated unless it recirculates all water used. • A fountain or water feature must not be filled or topped up.
Water Cartage from Town Supply	With Council Licence only.
Auto Flush Toilets	Prohibited.

Water must not be used for any other purpose without the prior written permission of Council

The Shire has imposed new water restrictions from 20 March 2008 for SHIRE PROVIDED raw and filtered water services. Outside watering must be in accordance with these watering guidelines. Grey water or rainwater may be used at any time.

In the event of drought continuing, there is a possibility that some rural residents may run out of water. In such cases the Shire will make water available at current charges for transport in permitted tankers.

These restrictions apply only to water provided by the Shire. For other water sources e.g. rivers, please contact State Water: Telephone 5051 6215 or 5051 6216.

If you require further information regarding water restrictions, please call the Wentworth Shire Council on Tel: (03) 5027 5027.

PETER KOZLOWSKI
General Manager