Councillors voted in September to allow eligible landholders to access up to 20 kilolitres of free water each week from the Hereford Street standpipes to help them during the ongoing drought.

A report to council at the time noted there were more than 1400 farmland rated properties across the Bathurst region and it was not possible to estimate what the scheme might cost.

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But three months into the scheme another report to be tabled at Wednesday night’s monthly meeting reveals just $755 worth of water has been taken from the standpipes so far.

“As at the date of this report, 302 kilolitres of free water has been accessed under this scheme representing a minimal loss of income of $755,” the report by corporate services and finance director Aaron Jones says.

“There are currently nine people who have registered, however, very few of them have actually utilised their full allowable quota.”

The scheme was initially put in place until January 5 but with the region still in drought, Mr Jones has recommended councillors approve a four-month extension until May 5, or until the water level at Ben Chifley Dam falls below 40 per cent.

“The financial implications of this scheme are very difficult to estimate,” the report concludes.

“Council has approximately 1450 properties rated as farmland, however, the take-up rate and length of time until the drought declaration is lifted are completely unknown factors. 

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“As noted, the current foregone income is minimal at $755.

“However, bulk water sales were estimated at $31,500 for the 2018-2019 year and, due to the ongoing conditions, have already reached $24,752 after five months, noting that the price per kilolitre is still at half-price ($2.50 per kilolitre).”

Councillors will vote on the proposed extension on Wednesday night.