The report to Wednesday night’s meeting by engineering services director Darren Sturgiss outlines the history of water restrictions in Bathurst and also the region’s changing water use behaviours.

Bathurst has previously introduced water restrictions during dry times in 1983 and 1997, but has had no restrictions since the wall at Ben Chifley Dam was raised in 2001.

Mr Sturgiss notes that “restrictions seem like something council can consider given the very dry times being experienced” but warns that councillors must consider the added cost of allocating staff to police potential breaches.

He also states that water restrictions would not have an impact on the amount of water lost each day through evaporation from the dam and river.

“Without a shortage of supply, restrictions in winter would achieve virtually no water savings as evaporation is low (around four megalitres per day currently), irrigation has dramatically reduced, and outdoor water use is very low,” the report states.

“Council would also need to consider potentially additional staff to issue fines (including weekends) and face court if necessary to enforce the restrictions.”

Instead, Mr Sturgiss suggests council follow Sydney Water Corporation’s lead and consider Water Wise Rules in place of restrictions.

The rules include sensible measures such as banning watering of lawns and gardens between 10am and 4pm; requiring all hand-held hoses to have a nozzle trigger; and banning hosing of paths and driveways.

“The provision of Water Wise messages is business as usual, and is well received by customers,” Mr Sturgiss states in the report.

“The contrast is water restrictions, which require enforcement, and that requires resources to inspect, record, issue fines and notices, and ensure that correct details are kept to succeed in any court case.”

If council does move to water restrictions, however, Mr Sturgiss recommends exemptions be put in placed for council’s “premier parks and sporting facilities” to maintain them at a high standard.

Meanwhile, Councillor Ian North will also buy into the water restrictions debate on Wednesday after several years of lobbying.

He will table a notice of motion calling for water restrictions to commence “at the earliest convenience”.