BATHURST Regional Council has assured the community that the winter festival ice rink is not a waste of water.
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At last week's council meeting, councillor Monica Morse said she had been contacted by a resident who was concerned about water being used for the ice rink when Chifley Dam was so low and the city was on water restrictions.
As it turns out, though, the water won't be going to waste.
There was around 20,000 litres of water used initially to establish the ice rink and only minor quantities of additional water is used daily to replace ice lost due to skating activities.
Once the festival comes to an end, the ice will be allowed to melt and will flow into council's stormwater system, where it is then returned to the Macquarie River.
"Council is prioritising its projects in order to allow for water to be used on the ice rink," mayor Graeme Hanger said.
"In fact, ice rink water used is less than one per cent of Bathurst daily winter water use.
"It should be noted that the Bathurst Winter Festival is a worthwhile community event and brings a multitude of economic benefits to the community and local businesses."
While there is no cause for concern over the ice rink, council is set to review its existing water conservation plans, including water restrictions very soon.
Cr Hanger said that a report to council is planned to be presented at the ordinary meeting on Wednesday.
The report will offer advice to councillors from senior staff, following on from items discussed at a working party on water that was held in mid June.