BATHURST residents could soon face formal water restrictions if plans are approved at Wednesday’s Bathurst Regional Council meeting.
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A report from director of Engineering Services, Darren Sturgiss, recommends that councillors approve a plan to move to high water restrictions from November 26 if Chifley Dam has not reached 75 per cent capacity by November 12.
The restrictions would place limits on the days of watering, the timing of watering and the duration of watering for residents.
“High water restrictions would remain in force until the Chifley Dam level reaches 75 per cent, in which case Water Wise actions will be implemented,” Mr Sturgiss said.
“Should the level at Chifley Dam drop to 29 per cent, extreme water restrictions will be implemented.”
The dam would have to reach 40 per cent capacity before Bathurst could return to high restrictions.
But if the dam level was to continue to fall, critical water restrictions would then have to be implemented at 15 per cent.
Mr Sturgiss recommended council undertake “significant promotion and advertising” of water restrictions, should they be implemented, to ensure community members were aware of their responsibilities.
When it comes to enforcement, reminders would be issued during the first month of restrictions to those who don't comply.
“Following reminders, council could issue a warning letter from the general manager outlining some of the fines and sanctions that council can impose,” Mr Sturgiss said in his report.
“A penalty infringement notice (PIN) can be issued by authorised council officers, with the fine being $220.00 for an individual.”
Staff are already preparing an education campaign to assist with the roll-out of water restrictions to ensure the success, Mr Sturgiss said.
The campaign, Water – Let’s Make it Last, also aims to ensure residents are aware of the difference between voluntary water saving actions and water restrictions.
“The key difference between Water Wise actions and water restrictions is that the latter are enforceable and cover additional actions not covered by the Water Wise education campaign,” Mr Sturgiss said.
Dry conditions throughout 2018 have led to a steady decrease in the capacity of Chifley Dam.
This will only worsen as the warmest months of the year arrive.
“From the period of June to September 2018, no water from Chifley Dam has been used for town water supply, only water from the Fish River has been used for this purpose,” Mr Sturgiss said.
“However, as consumption in Bathurst increases with the approach of summer, water will be required from Chifley Dam in the near future to meet demand.”
As of October 9, Chifley dam sat at 60 per cent.
