IT MIGHT be one of the worst droughts in living memory, but water restrictions certainly aren’t on Gunnedah Shire Council’s agenda.
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Council has been keeping a close watch on the situation in the four bores which supply Gunnedah with its reticulated water, but there is no movement on the restriction front.
It comes as stark images of Lake Keepit have been beamed around the country and as Tamworth locals have restrictions imposed less than three years after the augmented Chaffey Dam was at 100 per cent capacity.
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Council’s manager of water services, Kevin Sheridan, said Level P water conservation measures remain place.
“Due to the prolonged drought conditions, the groundwater aquifer levels have dropped slightly, which council will continue to monitor closely,” Mr Sheridan said.
“However, changes to water restrictions are not under consideration at this time.
“Gunnedah Shire Council has Level P water conservation levels in place across the shire to all properties connected to town water supplies in Gunnedah, Curlewis, Mullaley and Tambar Springs.”
The primary trigger for Gunnedah’s level one restrictions is based on the total available groundwater production capacity, which is expected to gradually reduce during periods of severe drought as groundwater levels are depleted.
Level one restrictions are triggered when groundwater production capacity hits 65 per cent.
Current measures in place mean residents are advised to use fixed hoses and sprinklers between the hours of 6-8am and 6-10pm during daylight saving time.
“We advise residents to take water conservation into their own hands and use any measures they can to aid in the management of our water supply,” Mr Sheridan said.
Water efficiency information for saving water in the home, garden and at work is now live and located at www.SmartWaterMark.org/Namoi.