New Water Wise initiatives replace restrictions

6 December, 2012Posted in: Roads and Assets
 

With the first 30 plus degree day of summer already recorded, Wingecarribee Shire Council is introducing a new range of water wise initiatives to ensure our Shire’s water supply remains safe, clean and secure over the warmer months.

Council has subsequently adopted a revised ‘Drought Management Plan’ and policy. New Water Wise Initiatives have been recommended as part of this plan.

Effective immediately, the new Water Wise Initiatives will replace existing water restrictions.

They are:

  • Watering with sprinklers and irrigation systems is allowed any day before 10am and after 4pm thereby avoiding watering in the heat of the day,
  • All hand hoses must have a trigger nozzles and watering using hand held hoses should be avoided between 10am and 4pm,
  • Instead of hosing hard surfaces, use a broom to clean up leaves, grass clippings, dirt, dust or general litter on paths or driveways,
  • Washing vehicles is allowed however wash on your lawn wherever possible. This helps to water your lawn and also avoids adding to stormwater pollution.

Wingecarribee Shire Council’s Water and Sewerage Asset Engineer, Stace Lewer said the Water Wise Initiatives were applicable to all Southern Highlands residents.

“No longer do we have different rules for different user groups,” said Mr Lewer. “Residential properties, businesses, schools, everybody can help reduce water consumption by following these commonsense initiatives.”

“Whilst we’ve relaxed the current water restrictions, should local dam storage levels drop below 75 per cent capacity, we’ll look at reintroducing some restrictive measures,” Mr Lewer said.

“However, whilst water storage levels remain stable and healthy, we’ve decided to adopt a self-regulatory approach to water-saving instead of enforcing stricter restrictions,” Mr Lewer added.

Recycled water, bore water and water used for testing fire systems, fire fighting and related activities are exempt from the Water Wise Initiatives.

“By their ability to self moderate the Shire’s residents have shown they realise the importance of saving water and the introduction of these Water Wise Initiatives are recognition of their previous efforts.”