As the La Nina weather pattern brings a summer of higher than average rainfall, Central Coast Council will ease Level 1 water restrictions from December 7 and Water Wise Rules will then apply.
Level 1 restrictions have been in place since February, when the Mangrove Creek Dam’s storage dropped to 50 percent.
After drought-breaking rain early in the year and substantial late winter and spring rain, Mangrove Creek Dam’s storage is now at 60.95 percent.
To ensure long term water security, residents are asked to adhere to the Live to 150L message by using no more than 150 litres of water per person per day.
A range of resources including a water use calculator, water wise plant selector, water saving tips and rainwater tank maintenance guide can be found online at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/lovewater.
Under the Water Wise Rules, sprinklers, irrigation systems and hoses with a trigger nozzle can be used in the garden any day before 10am and after 4pm and all road vehicles, boats and trailers can be washed with a trigger nozzle hose, pressure cleaner or bucket.
Hosing pathways and driveways is a no-no, but topping up an existing swimming pool using a hose from the town water supply is allowed.
Council Administrator, Dick Persson, said the responsible use of water was part of ensuring the ongoing security of the region’s water supply.
“We know that climate variability and a growing population are just some of the factors that will place pressure on the water supply, so simple habit changes can make a real difference in the amount of water a household uses,” he said.
“As well as making smart choices about their personal water use, I also encourage residents to get involved in Council’s community consultation project which is exploring the best options for our long-term water supply.”
Between December and March, residents can participate in a variety of ways towards planning the region’s long term water security and how water prices are charged.
Over the next few months, Council will be making progress on two important projects, the Integrated Water Resource Plan and Council’s submission to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) about water rates charges.
By registering their interest, residents will have the opportunity to contribute to both projects by participating in public forums, online surveys and phone interviews.
For more information go online to yourvoiceourcoast.com
Sue Murray