Level two water restrictions for the Fraser Coast

Fraser Coast residents will only be permitted to use sprinklers and irrigation systems three nights a week between 4pm and 9am under level two water restrictions taking effect next month.

The new restrictions, which take effect from Monday 4 December 2023, will also mean residents will now only be able to water gardens and fill swimming pools between 4pm and 9am the next day.

Mayor George Seymour said while the region’s water storages were still in good shape with Lenthalls Dam sitting at around 62 per cent and Teddington Weir at about 83 per cent, level two water restrictions were being introduced to help conserve our water supplies.

“About half our water use is outdoors, so that’s where the most opportunities are to save water and where level two water restrictions are targeted,” he said.

“Level two water restrictions are moderate restrictions aimed at encouraging residents to use water-wise practices such as watering in the evenings and early mornings to prevent evaporation.

“A recent water supply security strategy found that Fraser Coast residential water consumption is about 240 litres per person per day on average, compared with about 156 litres per person per day in south-east Queensland.

“In recent weeks, the average water consumption has been as high as 300 litres per person.

“That shows that our overall water consumption is not excessive, but there are opportunities to reduce demand and use water more efficiently in our homes and on our gardens.

“By being water-wise, you not only save water, you also save money on your water bill.”

Level two residential water restrictions include:

• Handheld hoses are permitted between 4pm and 9am the next day, but must have a water efficient trigger nozzle;
• Irrigation systems (sprinklers, drippers, soaker hoses) are permitted on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays between 4pm and 9am the next day;
• Washing windows and cleaning paved or concrete surfaces, external walls or public facilities is permitted at any time with a water efficient high-pressure device such as a Gerni;
• Boat motor and trailer flushing is permitted at any time according to manufacturer’s specifications;
• Topping up swimming pools, spas and water features is only permitted between 4pm and 9am the next day and must be monitored at all times;
• Vehicle and boat cleaning is permitted at any time with handheld hoses fitted with a water efficient trigger nozzle.
• Level two water restrictions are similar for businesses, although irrigation systems can be used on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 4pm and 9am the next day rather than Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

For full details on residential and commercial water restrictions, visit https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/water-restrictions

A copy of Council’s water supply security strategy and other water strategies is available here - https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/securing-water-future