Water restrictions will be introduced from midnight tonight, Saturday, 4 March, for households on the Coonamble town water supply.

The town water supply system has been functioning at capacity for many weeks but is unable to keep pace with the demand during this prolonged period of high temperatures and dry weather.

Level 1 water restrictions will apply from midnight tonight, meaning:

• Residents may only use hand-held hoses, fitted with a trigger nozzle.
• Watering of lawns and gardens by hand is allowed before 10am and after 4pm, using a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle.
• Please do not hose down hard surfaces such as concrete paths or driveways.
• Sprinklers and watering systems are not to be used.

More specifically for gardens and lawns:

• Please use only one hand-held hose or a single drip-irrigation system at a time, after 4pm or before 10am.
• Watering cans and buckets are permitted.
• New turf can be watered for one week, as per instructions.

For vehicles, buildings and boats:

• Washing vehicles and buildings is allowed with a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle.
• Washing of bins with high-pressure equipment or a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle is permitted.
• High-pressure cleaning equipment is allowed.

For new and existing private swimming pools and external spas:

• Only top-up or fill pools and spas using a hand-held hose between 5pm and 10am.
• Please cover pools and spas while not in use to reduce evaporation.

Council will review the restrictions daily, in line with the performance of its water treatment plant and thanks residents for their patience and cooperation during this time.

Paul Gallagher

GENERAL MANAGER