Residents across Narromine are being asked to curb outdoor water use over the coming weeks, with council confirming the issue is not water supply but the capacity of the town’s treatment plant to keep pace with summer demand.

Narromine Shire Council has extended their Level 2 Moderate Water Restrictions following a sharp spike in water usage during recent extreme heat.

Mayor Ewen Jones said the restrictions were introduced as a precautionary measure to ensure the system remains reliable through the hottest part of summer.

“We’ve got plenty of water,” Cr Jones said.

“The issue is that the temporary treatment plant just can’t process enough water to meet the demand at the moment.

“We’re just erring on the side of caution and asking people to be sensible for the next four weeks."

Under the Level 2 restrictions, residents are asked to water lawns and gardens every second day only, following an odd-even property number schedule.

Mondays are now a no-watering day for all properties.

• • Odd-numbered properties: Sunday, Wednesday and Friday

• • Even-numbered properties: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

• • No watering on Mondays

Cr Jones said the changes, including allowing watering on Sundays, were designed to better reflect how people actually live.

A simple dripping tap can add up to a huge waste of water, and at the moment, there's not much to spare.

“It was a bit silly not letting people water on weekends when they’re home,” he said.

“So Sundays are now included.”

The mayor said seasonal restrictions of this type have become a regular part of summer in Narromine.

“It’s been happening for quite a few years now,” he said.

“Most people are used to it and generally don’t have an issue.”

However, he acknowledged that communicating the changes can be challenging, particularly following the loss of the town’s local newspaper.

“A lot of our older residents relied on the paper for information,” Cr Jones said.

“They’re not always on Facebook or online.”

Council has updated variable message boards and signage at key entry points to town, but Cr Jones said word-of-mouth would again play an important role.

“Nine out of ten people probably drive past those signs without really looking,” he said.

“So we’re hoping people talk to each other and spread the message.”

He said the restrictions are aimed at reducing peak demand rather than stopping people from caring for their gardens altogether.

“We can’t all have a bowling green,” he said.

“But if people are watering their favourite plants every second day, there’s nothing wrong with that.”

Residents are also encouraged to use water efficiently indoors as well.

“A lot of people run their grey water out onto their garden, and that helps too,” Cr Jones said.

The restrictions will be reviewed again in four weeks, with council monitoring water demand and treatment capacity closely in the meantime.

Narromine Shire Council has thanked residents for their cooperation, saying community-wide efforts will help ease pressure on the system while maintaining a reliable supply for everyone.

The Council also has an extensive list of water saving tips, which can be found here.