FOR the first time in almost six months, Chifley Dam’s level has risen to 60 per cent.
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Bathurst, like much of NSW, has struggled to reach its long-term averages for rainfall for much of 2018.
With the lack of rain, Chifley Dam has been steadily dropping in recent months.
Some good rain in October has started to push the dam level up, with Bathurst Regional Council reporting it as exactly 60 per cent when it last checked, on Tuesday.
Council’s manager of Water and Waste, Russell Deans, said the last time the level was that high was in April.
He said it was good to see the level rising, but much more rain was still needed.
“Substantially more rain is required in the catchment for Chifley Dam in order for the dam level to rise significantly,” Mr Deans said.
“Residents are asked to continue being water wise.”
Weatherzone has reported 22.6 millimetres of rain for the month of October to date, with at least another 18mm to be added after Wednesday’s storms.
The extra rain may help boost Chifley Dam further, but Mr Deans said it will take a little time to see the result.
“The rain may take anywhere from a few days to a week to reach Chifley Dam,” he said.
“A true indication of any rise in the dam level could not be estimated until a week after the rain stops.”