Water restrictions across Port Macquarie-Hastings have eased to Level 2 following consistent and steady rainfall across the catchment area.
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Council has confirmed that conditions are now ideal for pumping from the Hastings River into the region's two water storage dams at Cowarra and Port Macquarie.
The total combined storage levels at the dams has now risen to 63 per cent, which is above the adopted 60 per cent trigger level for level 2 water restrictions.
Director Dan Bylsma said Port Macquarie Dam is currently at 94 per cent capacity, while Cowarra Dam (which is the largest of the two) is at 53 per cent capacity.
"Strong rainfall in the catchment area during March combined with a reduction in water usage has contributed to the easing of the restrictions," Mr Bylsma said.
"This is great news for the community, and evidence that everyone has been working together to reduce water use around the home, in the workplace, and in business and industry.
"Port Macquarie recorded total rainfall of 258mm in March this year, compared with total rainfall of just 93mm in March 2019, and this recent rainfall combined with good water quality and flow has allowed for regular pumping from the river to replenish the storage dams."
Under Level 2 'high' water restrictions handheld hoses with a water cut-off trigger or control nozzle can be used for up to 30 minutes before 9am or after 4pm on odd or even days matching your house number for:
- Watering gardens and lawns (including new turf);
- Topping up pools or spas;
- Washing a car or boat on a grass or gravel area;
- Boat motor flushing is permitted for 5 minutes only on allotted day;
- Cleaning windows, walls, roofs and gutters is permitted with buckets only.
"Thank you to everyone in our community who has contributed to reducing our water use," Mr Bylsma said.
"We've seen a reduction of 12 per cent in total daily water use since January, and a reduction of 22 per cent compared to the same period last year.
"While this is great news, we don't want to take our foot off the pedal, and encourage everyone to keep up the good work and continue to conserve water where possible."
For full details on Level 2 water restrictions including a handy fact sheet and frequently asked questions visit pmhc.nsw.gov.au/water or call council on 6581 8111.
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