PRIMARY producers are set to continue to receive free water from Bathurst Regional Council, but the days of the scheme are numbered.
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In a report to go before council on Wednesday, it is recommended that council continue to provide free water until either Chifley Dam reaches 40 per cent or lower, the drought declaration has been removed or September 8 this year.
While the drought declaration is unlikely to be removed anytime soon, the dam level could very well bring the scheme to an abrupt end.
The dam has been dropping steadily for months and at its last reading sat at 44.1 per cent.
Bathurst has only recorded 0.6 millimetres of rain this month, well below the long-term average of 41.1mm, but up to 20mm of rain has been forecast to fall on Friday.
The water scheme was introduced in September, 2018, with the same guidelines regarding the drought declaration and dam level.
The scheme was extended at the December 12, 2018 meeting due to the prevailing conditions, with the expiry date set for May 5.
Council's director of Corporate Services and Finance, Aaron Jones, said in his new report that the conditions warranted extending the scheme further.
He also detailed the participation in the scheme.
"As at the time of writing this report, 493 kilolitres of free water has been accessed under this scheme, representing a minimal loss of income of $1,233," Mr Jones said.
"There are currently 12 people who have registered, however, very few of them have actually utilised their full allowable quota."
Primary producers who would like to take advantage of council's free water offer need to register on council's website or in person at the civic centre.
The free water allocation will be limited to 20kl of water per week, per rate notice, to be reviewed regularly and adjusted if necessary based on the dam levels.
The water must be used for stock and domestic purposes only, and not be on sold to a third party.
