At the October ordinary meeting of council, councillors resolved that water restrictions would be imposed if Chifley Dam had not reached 75 per cent capacity by November 12.

On Wednesday, council confirmed that restrictions would come into effect on Monday, November 26 as the dam was well below the trigger point, sitting at 58.9 per cent.

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Mayor Graeme Hanger said council had been engaging the community to promote water wise habits around the home and workplace since 2007, but it was deemed necessary to go to restrictions to further conserve water. 

“I am impressed that so many members of our community have embraced these small changes to our daily tasks and habits,” he said.

“By implementing a lower level of restrictions now, it is hoped that there will not be a need to go to higher restrictions, but this is entirely dependent on rainfall in the coming months.

“Council staff will be monitoring weather and water consumption on a regular basis to ensure the most appropriate measures remain in place.”

Level three restrictions will apply to all homes and businesses in the Bathurst Local Government Area. 

They will rely on an ‘odds and evens’ system and place limits on the days of watering, the timing of watering and the duration of watering.

For more information about what is expected, visit council’s website or call 6333 6111.

Council staff are currently working with key stakeholders including irrigators, businesses and departments within council to investigate water conservation options and actions.

As part of their efforts, staff met with Chifley Dam irrigators to discuss the summer irrigation season and the move to water restrictions.

As a result, council and the irrigators are in the process of developing a water saving plan to manage the 2018-19 production season.