Central Darling Shire Council has advised that Level One Water Restrictions will soon be introduced in Wilcannia, as falling water levels and predictions of a dry summer raise concerns about the town’s water supply.
In a public notice issued on Wednesday, 28 October, Council confirmed that water levels in the Wilcannia weir pool are approaching the point at which restrictions will be triggered under the Shire’s Drought Management Plan.
Council is continuing to monitor rainfall forecasts and the outlook for what is predicted to be a very dry summer.
Residents are being encouraged to prepare for the introduction of restrictions, which will place limits on outdoor watering, swimming pool use and vehicle washing.
What Level One Water Restrictions Will Mean
Under the proposed restrictions:
- Gardens and lawns: Watering will be permitted using watering systems, micro sprays, drip systems, soaker hoses, non-fixed sprinklers and handheld hoses. Summertime watering is restricted to between 6pm and 9am.
- Swimming pools: Initial filling of private swimming pools will only be permitted between 7am and 9am or 6pm and 8pm. Additional conditions apply to topping up and refilling existing pools.
- Vehicle washing: Private and commercial vehicles may be washed at commercial car washes or using a bucket or watering can filled directly from a tap. Hoses may only be used for wetting and rinsing vehicles after they have been washed.
- Construction activities: Water may only be used for compaction and dust suppression.
- Windows and building facades: Cleaning is restricted to buckets or watering cans, except where hoses are necessary for safety or emergency reasons.
- Evaporative air coolers: No restrictions will apply.
Residents Encouraged To Prepare
While Council has not announced a commencement date, residents are being asked to familiarise themselves with the Level One requirements ahead of their introduction.
The restrictions form part of Central Darling Shire Council’s Drought Management Plan, which establishes measures to manage water supplies as conditions become drier.
Council’s public notice, issued by General Manager John Sevil, outlines the proposed restrictions and permitted water use.
Residents can refer to the full public notice for detailed requirements and conditions.