Cairns Regional Council has today lifted its Level 2 water restrictions, following recent rainfall in the Lake Morris catchment.
More than 150mm of rain since 18 May has brought the dam water level to over 93.3 per cent capacity.
Water usage has also dropped to just under 50 megalitres a day, below the average annual use of 60-70 megalitres a day, and well below the peak of almost 90 megalitres per day recorded in November 2019.
While the dam did not spill over this wet season, Mayor Bob Manning said Cairns has received significantly more rain in April and May this year (187mm), than the same period in 2019 (99mm).
“Given the recent rainfall, current water consumption and the Bureau of Meteorology prediction of a wetter than average dry season, it’s appropriate to lift restrictions at this time” Cr Manning said.
“I would like to thank everyone for their efforts in conserving water and urge residents to continue to be mindful of their usage.”
Permanent water conservation measures remain in place year-round, using an “odds and evens” system as follows:
- Odd-numbered houses permitted to use sprinklers on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday between the hours of 5am – 9am and 5pm – 9pm.
- Even-numbered houses permitted to use sprinklers on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday between the hours of 5am – 9am and 5pm – 9pm.
- No sprinkler use permitted on Monday.
- Hand-held hoses with a trigger nozzle, watering cans and buckets can be used at any time.
