CHIFLEY Dam’s water level has now dropped to its lowest November level in eight years.
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On Tuesday, the dam was at 84.8 per cent capacity, a drop compared to the previous week when the level was 86 per cent.
But the lowest the dam’s capacity has fallen during a November in the past decade was in 2009 when the level dropped to 82.9 per cent.
Bathurst has recorded well below average rainfall for much of this year.
By this time of year around 570.1 millimetres has usually been received, but so far this year just 337.3mm has been recorded.
During the lead-up to the local government elections on September, Bathurst Regional councillor Warren Aubin told the Western Advocate that the dam wall should be raised another metre to provide water security for a rapidly growing city.
“I’ve got figures that show if we can raise the dam wall by a metre it would double the water capacity when full to about 60,000 megalitres,” he said.
“It’s a major project given the future growth of Bathurst.
Investigations into various water security improvements, including the possible raising of Chifley Dam, will be looked at by council in the future.
- Bathurst Regional Council mayor Graeme Hanger
“The other option would be to look at building another dam somewhere.”
Mayor Graeme Hanger said this week that water consumption and capacity at Chifley Dam was monitored on a regular basis.
“Investigations into various water security improvements, including the possible raising of Chifley Dam, will be looked at by council in the future,” he said.
“It is important for council to consider both actions to ensure demand is managed through Waterwise choices, as well as potential supply options.”
In the meantime, Cr Hanger said water wise choices were an important and ongoing opportunity for all Bathurst residents to help ensure the water supply in Chifley Dam lasts as long as possible.
“Council encourages residents to be water wise at all times, and this strategy will be an important tool in continuing to cater for a growing population,” he said.
“We often think about saving water in the hotter months, but even in cooler weather it is important to be water wise.
“There are plenty of things that can help save water such as checking sprinklers and irrigation equipment to make sure they only water gardens and lawns and avoid watering in the middle of the day.
“It’s simple things like having a full load before using the washing machine or dishwasher, or repairing leaking taps that can make a difference to water usage.”
Council has a Drought Management Strategy that commences if the dam reaches 40 per cent capacity.