Orange City Council will ease water restrictions to level four as the combined water storage capacity reaches 40 per cent in the coming days.
The total water storage level is 39 per cent, as of Monday at 10am.
Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said, due to the recent rain, the level had risen 4 per cent in one week.
“That’s phenomenal,” Cr Kidd said.
“We can all let out a collective sigh of relief as we have tackled the worst of the drought and we’re coming out the other side. “
“I’d like to congratulate the residents of Orange for being so diligent in their responsible use of water over the last 18 months, and indeed before the drought.
“I’m again asking Orange residents to keep up the good work. Let’s all work together to get our storage levels to 50 per cent.
“50 per cent will give us the breathing room we need to get us comfortably through summer.
“I’d like to thank Water Minister Melinda Pavey for her enormous help given to Orange and the region in regard to water projects and long-term water sustainability.”
Orange City Council CEO David Waddell said Council would ease restrictions to level four, from level five, as soon as the storage reached the 40 per cent milestone.
“Given the recent rain, we have had a huge increase in the amount of water flowing into Suma Park Dam from natural inflows in Summer Hill Creek. As of Monday morning it was flowing at the rate of 57 megalitres per day,” Mr Waddell said.
“By comparison, earlier in the year, there was a total of 183 mega litres of natural inflows into the dam during the three months between mid-February to Mid-May.
“This, combined with our storm-water harvesting schemes and the Macquarie Pipeline means we can realistically strive to reach 50 per cent storage in the next couple of months. But we’ll need residents to continue to be careful with Level 4 restrictions.
“I’d also like to thank the Water Minister for her continued support for water projects in Orange and the region, throughout this really tough time. The contribution of Orange residents and businesses has also been crucial in getting us through the worst drought on record.
“Looking at the forecast, we will likely reach 40 per cent within the next few days. As soon as this milestone is reached Council will announce the easing of restrictions.
“Keep in touch with Council via its website and social media accounts for announcements.”
The Macquarie Pipeline pumps water into Suma Park dam.
LEVEL FOUR RESTRICTIONS:
LAWNS
- No watering.
RESIDENTIAL GARDENS
- No sprinklers.
- Only micro-sprays, drip systems, soaker hoses. Limited daily hours, two days a week only (Wednesdays & Sundays 7am to 9am and 4pm-6pm).
- One hand-held hose with a trigger-nozzle for up to half an hour on those two days.
WATER FEATURES
- Water features can be topped up.
NEW TURF
- No
SWIMMING POOLS
- Pool covers must be used. Topping up only between 7am-9am and 6pm-8pm any day.
POP-UP CHILDREN’S POOLS
- May be used.
WASHING CARS AT HOME
- Washing cars with bucket only on lawn from 9am to 12 noon any day.
BATHS AND SHOWERS
- Suggested limit of 5 minute shower. One bath per day.
WASHING MACHINES
- Full loads only.
EVAPORATIVE COOLERS
- Only to be used 7am to midnight daily.
KEY DIFFERENCES FROM LEVEL FIVE TO LEVEL FOUR:
- Micro-sprays or soaker hoses on gardens are permitted for two hours on two days per week
- Within those two hour periods, buckets, watering cans, drip systems or a hand-held hose with a trigger nozzle for 30 minutes two days per week
- Topping up swimming pools permitted
- Washing cars at home on the lawn, with a bucket between 9am and 12 noon permitted.
Suma Park Dam in 2016
