Tougher water restrictions loom as dam now only half full

Hervey Bay residents may soon face level three water restrictions that would ban or severely restrict outdoor water use.

Deputy Mayor Darren Everard said not enough rain had fallen in the region’s dam catchment over the past 16 months with Lenthalls Dam now only about half full.

“While our region has had some rainfall in recent months, not enough has flowed into our dam. That’s why we are now making preparations for the potential introduction of level three water restrictions in Hervey Bay by early November,” he said.

“If we don’t get significant rain in the right places and Lenthalls Dam drops to 45 per cent, level three water restrictions will be introduced in Hervey Bay and the surrounding areas stretching from Burrum Heads and Howard across to River Heads.

“Teddington Weir’s storage levels are in better shape, so water restrictions for Maryborough and Tiaro are likely to remain at level two for the foreseeable future in these areas.

“Council will continue to monitor dam levels and water use with a final decision on level three water restrictions likely to be made by mid-October.”

Cr Everard said the aim of level three water restrictions, if introduced, would be to reduce daily water use in Hervey Bay and surrounding areas by at least 20 per cent.

“Under level three water restrictions, outdoor water usage could be banned or significantly restricted, with watering gardens with sprinklers or irrigation systems not allowed, watering established lawns banned, and cars and boats to only be washed using a bucket,” he said.

“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.

“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.”

Cr Everard said special watering times under level two water restrictions would change from 30 September 2021.

“Council listened to requests from the community, particularly elderly residents, to allow the use of hand hoses from 4pm to 8am the next day as it gets dark earlier during winter,” he said.

“However, from 30 September 2021, the special watering times will end and hand held hoses will again only be permitted between 6pm and 8am the next day under level two water restrictions.”

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 (changing to between 6pm and 8am from 30 September 2021);
• 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