Residents asked to be mindful of water use over summer
With the long-term summer weather forecast to be hot and dry, Council is reminding residents of its ongoing Water Wise Initiatives designed to ensure our Shire’s water supply remains safe, clean and secure over the warmer months.
These Water Wise Initiatives are:
- Watering with sprinklers and irrigation systems is only allowed before 10am and after 4pm thereby avoiding watering in the heat of the day,
- All hand hoses must have a trigger nozzle 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.
The Water Wise Initiatives were recommended as part of a revised ‘Drought Management Plan’ and policy which was adopted by Council in 2012.
Wingecarribee Shire Council’s Roads and Water Asset Coordinator, 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.”
“Our Shire’s residents have led the way in the past by conserving water and 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.
“Council monitors our Shire’s water consumption and dam storage levels on a daily basis,” Mr Lewer added. “Should these levels fall below pre-determined levels we deem as safe, then water restrictions may be introduced.”
Recycled water, bore water and water used for testing fire systems, fire fighting and related activities are exempt from the Water Wise Initiatives.