Water restrictions remain with new winter times introduced

Level two water restrictions will remain in place across the Fraser Coast with new winter times introduced for residents wanting to water their gardens with a hose.

Mayor George Seymour said the Fraser Coast region had experienced severe rainfall deficiencies over the past 14 months and Lenthalls Dam was sitting at about 57 per cent capacity.

“While we’ve had some rainfall over the past few months, it’s been infrequent and not enough fell in our dam catchment for Council to lift level 2 water restrictions,” he said.

“However, we have received requests from the community, particularly elderly residents, to reconsider the times for when hand held hoses are permitted as it gets dark earlier during winter.

“We have listened to that feedback and will now allow hand held hoses with a water efficient nozzle to be used between 4pm and 8am the next day instead of between 6pm and 8am the next day. This will be in effect from now through to 30 September 2021.

“We encourage Fraser Coast residents to continue to watch their water use, particularly outdoors, to help slow down the depletion of our dams and delay the need for tougher water restrictions.

“It might be mulching your garden, using a swimming pool cover or checking regularly for water leaks – every little bit helps and every drop counts. By being water-wise, you not only save water, you also save money on your water bill.”

Level Two water restrictions include:

• Hand held hoses are permitted between 4pm and 8am the next day but must have a water efficient trigger nozzle;
• Irrigation systems (sprinklers, drippers, soaker hoses) are permitted on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays between 6pm and 8am the next day;
• Washing windows and cleaning paved or concrete surfaces, external walls or public facilities is permitted at any time but only with a water efficient, high pressure device (eg gerni);
• Boat motor and trailer flushing is permitted at any time for a maximum of five minutes at a low water flow;
• Filling of swimming pools, spas and water features is only permitted between 6pm and 8am and must be monitored at all times;
• Vehicle and boat cleaning is permitted at an time with handheld hoses (fitted with a water efficient trigger nozzle) and
• Water tanks connected to or topped up by drinking water supply are subject to the current water restrictions.

More information about Fraser Coast’s current level two water restrictions is available at https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/water-restrictions