Wettest region now on level 3 water restrictions
The wettest region in the Australia has been placed on level three water restrictions after an extended dry spell across the Cassowary Coast.
The Cassowary Coast Regional Council (CCRC) made the announcement today amid concerns of little rain being forecast in the foreseeable future.
Cassowary Coast Mayor John Kremastos said residents need to be more water wise and significantly decrease their consumption levels.
“Currently we are using double, and in some areas even triple the amount of water than what we should be,” said Mayor Kremastos.
“Our supply levels are depleting rapidly by the day and it is critical that all residents know and understand what they should be doing to conserve water.
“I really want to drill into our residents the message that at the moment, water is the new gold!”
Council’s initial target consumption on level 3 water restrictions is 350 litres per person per day and if conditions continue to deteriorate we will be looking for even lower usage by residents and businesses.
“The daily average use per person is sitting at approximately 700 litres which is simply not good enough – we need to see some drastic reductions,” said Mayor Kremastos.
“The common culprits for water wastage are sprinklers, hosing without trigger nozzles, toilets on full flush when not needed and high flow shower heads.”
CCRC Manager of Water Geoffrey Smart said even if the Cassowary Coast received a couple of good storms, it wouldn’t be enough to recharge supply levels.
“Catchments are so dry that we will need a sustained period of rainfall to generate long term higher flows in our creeks and rivers,” said Mr Smart.
“We will remain on level 3 water restrictions for some time until we get significant rainfall and all residents will need to be compliant.”
Unlike other cities and regions that draw water supply from dams, the Cassowary Coast region uses intakes from local creeks and rivers.
“The flow in our water supply creeks and rivers is now so low that unless we moderate consumption, we won’t be able to supply to all the network,” said Mr Smart.
“Council has artificially modified the creeks and rivers that water is drawn from by sand bagging at the intakes to ensure there is adequate clean water supplies for residents.
“Proposals are being considered to build a temporary stone weir across the Johnston River to ensure adequate supply continues for Innisfail. The last time we had to do this was 16 years ago.”
Council will be actively promoting water conservation measures and will also be monitoring compliance of residents and businesses with water restrictions.
If residents are noncompliant to the level 3 water restrictions, a warning notice will be issued. These will be first and final warning notices with a possibility of fines being imposed if the behaviour is repeated.
The Council website will be updated weekly with water consumption data so the community can track progress towards sustainable consumption levels.
For more information on water restrictions and how to reduce your consumption, please go to the Council website http://www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/water-restrictions.
At Level 3 the water conservation measures are:
- Sprinklers, micro-spray and drip water systems must not be used.
- Hand held hoses fitted with a trigger nozzle can be used between 6am and 8am and 6pm and 8pm.
- Watering cans or buckets directly filled from taps can be used at any time.
- Fines may apply for water use not in accordance with Council’s Schedule of Water Restrictions.
For the full list of restrictions at Level 3 and other details about restrictions, please see:
