Residents have shown they are serious about following water restrictions, with Bathurst Regional Council only having had to issue three penalty infringement notices (PINs) to date.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The figure was included in the most recent water security update from council's director of Engineering Services, Darren Sturgiss, which was presented at the last meeting on April 15.
With water restrictions tightened on October 14, council stepped up its enforcement to ensure people were complying with the requirements of level four.
Council now has a full-time water inspector, who is supported by two administration staff.
Their role is to take calls that come through the water hotline and the dedicated email for water restrictions related comments, queries and complaints.
Mr Sturgiss' report states that, to the end of March 2020, 35 new complaints had been raised with council and were being actioned, bringing the total number of complaints to 317.
"A number of new cases (23) required a courtesy letter to be sent, bringing the total to 139, and this usually resulted in changes and compliance," he said.
"There was one caution letter sent and one penalty infringement notice issued, bringing those totals to six and three respectively."
He noted that some of the complaints appeared to be "vexatious", as no evidence of breaches were found.
Council is continuing its media and information campaign to ensure people are aware of the restrictions.
ALSO MAKING NEWS: The reasons why Chifley Dam level has been slow in rising
The demand on the town water supply is much lower than expected, with the average being 9.5 megalitres per day or less.
Residential consumption in recent times has averaged 133 litres per person per day, which is well below the expectations set out in the 2014 Drought Management Plan.
Consumption is also below the levels needed for level five water restrictions, which is 159 litres, and close to the 129 litres expected for level six.
"This is an excellent result from the Bathurst community," Mr Sturgiss said.
The latest forecasts, based on council's modelling, suggest level five restrictions will need to be introduced in July this year.
However, decreased consumption and more rain in the catchment could see this pushed back.
A full list of water restrictions is provided on council's website.
People who have any questions or concerns can call the hotline on 6333 1683 or send an email to waterrestrictions@bathurst.nsw.gov.au.
