Level three water restrictions start in Hervey Bay

Sprinklers and irrigation systems are banned and residents in the Hervey Bay water supply network are only permitted to water established gardens with a hose for an hour a day three days a week under level three water restrictions starting today (Monday 8 November 2021).

The new restrictions also mean watering established lawns with town water is not permitted; cars, boats and pets can only be washed with a bucket; and children’s play pools cannot be used.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said despite the recent storms, not enough rain had fallen in the right places since April 2020 with Lenthalls Dam less than half full.

“Council is introducing level three water restrictions for the Hervey Bay water supply network for the first time since 2007 to try to reduce daily water use by at least 20 per cent and slow down the reduction of Lenthalls Dam,” he said.

“About half our water use is outdoors so that’s where the most opportunities are to save water and where restrictions are targeted.

“The Teddington Weir is in better shape, so we are maintaining level two water restrictions for Maryborough for now.”

While level two water restrictions have been put in place seven times in the last 16 years, this is only the second time the Fraser Coast has had to move to level three water restrictions.

Full details of all water restrictions, including how level three water restrictions apply at homes, businesses and Council facilities, is available at https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/water-restrictions

The water restrictions page on Council’s web site also includes a map for residents to enter their address to find out what level of water restrictions apply to them, as well as answers to frequently asked questions about our region’s water supply.

Council has set a target of 160 litres per person per day for Hervey Bay and surrounds, and 210 litres per person per day for Maryborough and surrounds, with the average daily water use figures to be updated weekly on the water restrictions web page.

Cr Seymour said Council was also currently developing a new water security strategy to assess future water supply options, the costs and when they may be needed.

“Based on current climate and population forecasts, the most recent strategies from 2015 have identified there is enough water supply to support growth in our community through to 2046 for Hervey Bay and 2066 for Maryborough,” he said.

“The new strategy will reassess all this information and consider potential options for future water supplies, including connecting Maryborough and Hervey Bay water storages, additional surface water sources or off-stream storages, desalination, purified recycled water and ground water.

“Initial community consultation occurred earlier this year with the strategy expected to be finalised by March 2022.”

Level three water restrictions, which now apply in Hervey Bay and the surrounding areas stretching from Burrum Heads and Howard across to River Heads, include:

• Hand-held hoses are permitted between 5pm and 6pm to water established gardens at even numbered properties on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and odd numbered properties on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, but must have a water efficient nozzle;
• Irrigation systems (sprinklers, drippers, soaker hoses) are banned and watering established lawns with town water is not permitted;
• Washing windows and external walls, and cleaning paved or concrete surfaces, is only allowed with buckets. Commercial cleaning businesses can use high pressure cleaners;
• Boat motor and trailer flushing is permitted at any time for a maximum of five minutes at a low water flow;
• Filling existing swimming pools, spas and water features is permitted with buckets at any time and with hand-held hoses before 8am or after 5pm to maintain minimum operating levels; and
• Washing cars, boats and pets can only be done with a bucket. Children’s play pools, toys and water slides cannot be used.

Level Two water restrictions, which continue to apply in Maryborough, include:

• Hand held hoses are permitted between 6pm and 8am 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 only;
• 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; and
• Vehicle and boat cleaning is permitted at any time with handheld hoses (fitted with a water efficient trigger nozzle).