RESIDENTS across the Port Macquarie-Hastings region are being urged to conserve water in and around the home as dry conditions continue.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has ceased pumping water from the Hastings River into its Rosewood Reservoirs and onto its Port Macquarie and Cowarra off-creek storage areas because river flows have fallen below minimum environmental levels.
With summer fast approaching, council is now reminding local residents and visitors that mandatory water conservation measures (level one) are in place and that people should be taking simple steps to reduce their average daily water consumption.
Council does not pump water from the Hastings River if river flows fall below a minimum level because of the need to protect the river’s ecosystem.
If the current dry conditions continue to prevent council from pumping water from the river and the combined total storage capacity in the Port Macquarie and Cowarra dams falls below 80 per cent capacity, council will move towards the introduction of level three water restrictions.
Council general manager Tony Hayward encouraged local residents and visitors to acquaint themselves with the level one measures, which apply to the external or outdoor use of all potable (drinking) water supplied from council’s reticulated water system.
While the conservation measures do not apply to internal use, Mr Hayward urged people to take steps to reduce their water usage.
Those steps can be as simple as taking shorter showers, pressing the appropriate button on dual flush toilets and turning the tap off while you clean your teeth.
People wanting to report breaches of the water restrictions should contact Port Macquarie-Hastings Council on 6581 8111 between 8am and 5pm.
For a full list of the restrictions and a list of frequently asked questions, visit www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au
