BARRING some kind of miracle, Bathurst will face water restrictions in exactly two weeks’ time.
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At their October ordinary meeting, councillors, although some reluctantly, resolved to implement water restrictions if Chifley Dam did not reach 75 per cent capacity by November 12.
The deadline has arrived, but as of council’s last recording on November 6, the level stands at just 59.5 per cent.
The proposed restrictions for residents would place limits on the days of watering, the timing of watering and the duration of watering.
Water restrictions will be enforceable, with Bathurst Regional Council able to issue individuals with a penalty infringement notice of $220 following a reminder and warnings.
Deputy mayor Bobby Bourke was vehemently against implementing water restrictions when the report was discussed last month and he has remained of the opinion that it is an “extreme measure”.
He said council should continue to encourage Water Wise actions unless the dam level dropped to 40 per cent, a trigger point that had been previously highlighted.
“While we have these very dry periods and heatwaves, we should have it out there all the time, to be water wise,” Cr Bourke said. “I think that has more benefit than looking over the fence to see who is odds and who is evens.”
Cr Alex Christian has accepted that water restrictions will happen, despite more rainy days recently, but said water restrictions have presented a new problem.
He said council has been providing limited free water to primary producers, but water restrictions indicated that wasn’t feasible.
“If our water situation is that bad, then maybe we do have to look at our other policies,” he said.
“Councillors [who voted for restrictions] have to ask the uncomfortable question ‘Are we in a dire situation or not?’.
“If we are in a dire situation, then we can’t afford to give away free water.”
One of the strongest supporters for going to water restrictions, Cr Monica Morse, said she still believed it was the right thing to do given the low annual rainfall.
She said the restrictions residents will face were reasonable, easy to follow and would be well communicated to them in the coming weeks, before they come into effect on Monday. November 26.
“I think a lot of people feel we need to go on water restrictions because we need to conserve water for the next summer, because it is going to be very hot and dry,” she said.
As a guide, here is what is required of residents under water restrictions:
